On May 15,1948, the Zionist leadership publically proclaimed Israel as their independent Jewish State. As many celebrate the 60 Anniversary of Israel where Jewish people finally achieved statehood they neglect to acknowledge the severe cost to the Palestinians that this came at. They do not grieve for the Palestinians that have been grieving ever since; as many have become impoverished refugees in the neighboring areas with no citizenship anywhere. The days leading up to May 15, 1948 and the days after marked the beginning of an era: the brutal ethnic cleansing of Palestinians by the Israeli military. Palestinians refer to this day al Nakba which means "catastrophe" in Arabic. To them this day symbolizes the end of their livelihoods and way of life.

Other IMC Coverage: PhillyIMC: Philadelphia-area Mid East Peace Activists cast a Shadow of Mourning over “Israel at 60” Celebration | D.C. IMC: Nakba Commemoration On the Mall | Seattle IMC: 60th Anniversary Protest | Rustbelt Radio: Architecture of the Nakba and Occupation: Carving Israel Then and Now | Boston IMC: Radio Free Palestine Broadcasts 18 Hours of Al-Nabka

Related Links: alnakba.org | Phillyalnakba.org | Philly Sustain | Jewish Voice for Peace