ID :
407105
Thu, 05/19/2016 - 04:49
Auther :

Palestine Media Forum Begins With Reminder Of Atrocities Against Palestinians

From Ravichandran D.J Paul ISTANBUL, May 19 (Bernama) -- The Second Palestine International Forum (Tawasol 2) started here Wednesday with the grim reminder of the atrocities that the Palestinians have to endure at the hands of both Israel's security forces and some rogue settlers in the occupied territories. At the centre of attention on the first day of the two-day forum was Ahmad Dawabshi, who lost his parents and his baby brother, while himself suffering 60 percent burns in a firebomb attack in 2014 by Israeli youths in the village of Duma, in Nablus, a move to further alienate the Palestinians. Ahmad, 6, who was carried in by his grandfather Ahmad Dawabshek, appeared with a missing ear and burn marks on his face. Along with Ahmad, Mohammed Abu Khder who was burnt alive by Israel settlers in East Jerusalem too was posthumously honoured. Their fate now serves as the rallying cause for Palestinians in seeking justice and protection from the Jewish settlers. The forum attended by about 400 media representatives from several countries also honoured many of the personalities who had contributed to the Palestinian cause. Among them is Ryuichi Hirokawa, who had been recording the Palestinian suffering since 1969 through his lense. Also honoured were a well-known Palestinian scholar Munir Shafiq, Lotfi Boshnaq and film maker Peter Kominsky, all for their achievements and their invaluable contribution for the Palestinian cause. The speakers at the forum, including the chairman for Palestinian Journalist Syndicate Nassr (Nassr) Abu Bakr pointed out the challenges faced by the journalists carrying out their duties especially in the Occupied Territories. He noted that Palestinian journalists were always viewed with suspicion and many have been killed or seriously injured in the line of duty, especially when covering aggression against the Palestinians. However, there is nothing stopping the journalists telling the world of the humanity crises faced by the Palestinians. A short video presentation at the opening ceremony showed instances of journalists and camera crew being manhandled by the security forces in the line of duty. The speakers also debunked many of the Zionist myths including that Philistine was god's promised land for the Jews and that Palestinians were actually the 'occupiers' of the land. Despite the claims being refuted throughout history, Israel remains adamant over its claim on the Holy Land. The speakers were also concerned over a large number of Palestine youths detained by Israel's security forces without trial. Often many of the detainees are treated brutally. An exhibition is also being held on the sidelines by Arab and Palestine media groups to show the efforts taken to communicate with the younger generation and the Palestinian diaspora through the new media and keeping the Palestinian cause alive. -- BERNAMA

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