No day at
the beach

After a long week under the hot sun, cut off from life’s necessities, sometimes a Palestinian wants to go to the only beach still accessible. But now Palestinians are finding themselves turned away from the Dead Sea resorts, says Association of Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI), because the Jewish settlers have complained the Palestinian presence is driving off their customers.

Peeing on Deuteronomy 10:19 like a soda-bloated toddler in the wading pool, the Israeli Defense Forces set up blockades and gave orders to prevent Palestinians from visiting the Dead Sea. Reservist Doron Karbel said his commanding officer explained that, “When Jews and Palestinian vacationers were sitting on the beaches side by side, it hurts the business of the surrounding Jewish communities.” The commander also promised to “find a security justification” if necessary.

While the western Dead Sea is in Israel, the more popular northern beaches are on occupied Palestinian lands. Accusing the military of “discrimination … characteristic of colonial regimes,” the ACRI has petitioned the Supreme Court to take action.

by SCOTT SAXON