This afternoon, as part of the international day of protest and action against Israel's 'security wall', protesters in Oxford (wearing huge white cardboard boxes on their heads :) attempted to give the local weekend shoppers a glimpse of life in occupied Palestine.
The 'wall' was seen making its way through the Westgate and Clarendon shopping centres (to the annoyance of security guards) while others gave out leaflets, talked to people and shouted slogans. We finished off with a walk down Cornmarket and a visit to Marks and Spencer's.
Later in the day, we built a 'checkpoint' on a nearby (pedestrianised) street. A few people played the role of Israeli soldiers, while others gave out leaflets or were 'detained', kneeling, nearby. Some of the public even joined in too, allowing themselves to be 'detained' for awhile.
The response: some support, some derision, and a lot of incredulous staring! The only abuse (that I noticed) was of the 'you've got a box on your head!' variety. It's difficult to gauge, but I hope we opened some eyes.
Eventually, having stayed longer than planned, and received a bit of hassle from the cops (whose loitering added to the spectacle wonderfully) we decided to end things on our terms. The 'soldier' announced he was taking the 'prisoners' into custody, and marched them off the scene. And the wall was taken apart, stamped upon, ripped up, and dumped in a nearby bin. If only the real thing was as easily dealt with :)
PS People were taking photos and videoing, so hopefully some of that will appear here soon.
Later in the day, we built a 'checkpoint' on a nearby (pedestrianised) street. A few people played the role of Israeli soldiers, while others gave out leaflets or were 'detained', kneeling, nearby. Some of the public even joined in too, allowing themselves to be 'detained' for awhile.
The response: some support, some derision, and a lot of incredulous staring! The only abuse (that I noticed) was of the 'you've got a box on your head!' variety. It's difficult to gauge, but I hope we opened some eyes.
Eventually, having stayed longer than planned, and received a bit of hassle from the cops (whose loitering added to the spectacle wonderfully) we decided to end things on our terms. The 'soldier' announced he was taking the 'prisoners' into custody, and marched them off the scene. And the wall was taken apart, stamped upon, ripped up, and dumped in a nearby bin. If only the real thing was as easily dealt with :)
PS People were taking photos and videoing, so hopefully some of that will appear here soon.