Bombed Jerusalem Bus Exhibit Sparks Heated Exchange (Berkeley)

[The Straight Story]

Bombed Jerusalem Bus Exhibit Sparks Heated Exchange, Melée By JAKOB SCHILLER

A bombed-out Israeli bus brought to Berkeley as part of a rally to address “global terrorism” drew hundreds of spectators to Martin Luther King Jr. Park Sunday. It also drew protesters who called the display propagandistic, one-sided and anathema to peace.

The factions at the event exchanged heated words and a few moments of violence.

Sponsored by the Israeli Action Committee of the East Bay, the bus was on display for most of the afternoon while various speakers addressed a crowd on the lawn behind the city offices. Across the street, protesters gathered in front of the Old City Hall.

“It does not reflect the situation , it only shows one side,” said Ayman Badr, gesturing to the burnt hulk of the bus. Around Badr, protesters waved Palestinian flags and shouted at supporters of the event who waved Israeli flags and gathered at the edge of the park to shout back.


http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/article.cfm?issue=01-18-05&storyID=20530