In Trafalgar Square in London, dozens of journalists representing every major news organization descended on a designated corner in the tourist infested area in support of Alan Johnston, the BBC correspondent kidnapped in Gaza on March 12, 2006, one month after his ordeal began. Awaiting the arrival of Alan’s family to a press conference, organized by Reporters without Borders, I stood along with a few activists. My nervous smiles, interrupted by brief statements to inquiring journalists, could hardly hide my utter feelings of shame. It’s not often that I feel this way, taking part in a solidarity event in support of anyone. This time was different, however, despite all attempts to distance oneself from responsibility. “Alan, they are not from amongst us,” read of the banners held by hundreds of journalists gathering in Ramallah, in the West Bank, to support Alan on the same day we gathered in London. The unfortunate fact is that while the kidnappers were not exactly elected representatives of the Palestinian people, mostly known for their unparalleled generosity, warmth and kindness to strangers, they were exactly what that banner tried to refute: there were a rational outcome of the state of chaos, corruption and overt militarilism that has plagued Palestinian society for years. Indeed, they were from amongst us, and there is now denial in that. MORE
http://www.palestinechronicle.com/story-042307112053.htm
http://www.palestinechronicle.com/story-042307112053.htm