Gaza taxi driver and inventor changes lives (Video Report)
31/08/2010
GAZA CITY - Ramadan programs broadcast across the Middle East gave TV crews at Ma'an a new challenge: to find stories of Palestinians that encapsulated the challenges of occupation, as well as the spirit of hope and creativity that predominates.
Mundhar Al-Qassas, a taxi driver from Gaza City, was one of those stories. An inventor by night, he designs assisted living devices for the disabled in his community.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa expressed concern Saturday over the conviction of a Palestinian anti-wall campaign leader by an Israeli military court for his involvement in non-violent protests.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa
"I am deeply concerned about the conviction earlier this week of Abdallah Abu Rahmah by an Israeli military court. When I met him with my fellow Elders last year, we were very impressed by his commitment to non-violence and the wise leadership he showed," Tutu said in a statement.
"He and his fellow activists have had some success in challenging the wall that divides the people of Bil’in from their land. Israel’s attempt to crack down on this effective resistance movement by criminalizing peaceful protest is unacceptable and unjust," he added.
Tutu called on Israeli authorities to release Abu Rahmah "immediately and unconditionally."
JERICHO - The daily trip taken by U'dai Ka'abneh and his siblings to find water tells the reality of life in summer for residents of Al-Jiftlik in the Jordan Valley.
U'dai drags a wooden box on four small wheels, a makeshift cart he designed to help his family bring water to their sheep. With his three siblings, U'dai several hundred meters on dirt roads to reach the nearest water pipe line to fill plastic bottles with water.
A distinctively clever boy, he has the eyes of a cautious eagle, always watching over his siblings. Traffic accidents caused by settlers are common along the road which stretches from the Jordan Valley to Nablus. U'dai also looks out for reptiles, and makes sure his brothers and sisters do not burn under the blazing desert sun.
