CPT Hebron and a Rebuilders Against Bulldozers (RAB) delegation helped
the Jaber family and other local landowners of the Beqa'a valley
protest the confiscation of their property by Israeli authorities at
an action on June 4th, 1999. The focus of the action was a gas
station under construction on the bypass Highway 60 which connects
Israeli settlements near Hebron with Jerusalem. The gas station is
intended for settler use.

Bearing a banner reading, "THIS GAS STATION IS BUILT ON CONFISCATED
PALESTINIAN LAND; IT FUELS OCCUPATION AND POLLUTES PEACE," the group
marched past Israeli soldiers and police who were guarding the
station. Singing "We Shall Overcome", the marchers displayed the
banner on confiscated Jaber land and held a short rally.

Abdel Hadi Hantash of the Palestinian Land Defense Committee, Hebron,
welcomed the diverse group which included members of Israeli peace
groups such as Gush Shalom, Peace Now, and Rabbis for Human Rights,
and Palestinian families whose land has been confiscated. He gave a
brief general history of the land confiscation question which appears
to be reaching a new crisis in the transition between governments
after the recent Israeli elections.

Two members of the Jaber family, Rodina the wife of Atta Jaber and his
sister Kokab Jaber, gave passionate and eloquent accounts of
harassment and past confiscations. The Jaber family has held
documented possession of the land for over a century. Mark Frey spoke
for CPT and Rabbi Arik Asherman of Rabbis from Human Rights spoke for
Israeli Jews who oppose confiscation and other injustices.

After the demonstrators sang, "We Shall Not Give Up The Fight", an
olive tree was planted by Rodina Jaber and members of CPT and Gush
Shalom in the confiscated and bulldozed ground. J. Quinn Brisben,
member of a CPT "Rebuilders Against Bulldozers" delegation, spoke
briefly on the olive tree as a symbol of peace and generational
continuity. Abu Hussami Jaber expressed the thanks of the extended
Jabber family, many of whom live in the threatened area.

Police ordered the group to leave, which it did after singing, "We
Shall Overcome". No arrests were made, although soldiers took pictures
of all members of the group.

CPT brings several RAB delegations to Israel/Palestine each year.
Delegates learn about the political conflict and, when possible and
appropriate, take action to rebuild demolished Palestinian homes. The
current delegation members are: J Quinn Brisben, Chicago IL; Julie
Hart, Newton KS; Benno Barg, Kitchener ON; and Doug Horst, Cambridge,
ON.