Al-Ma'sara Demonstration 13/08/2010 Today’s demonstration in Al-Ma’sara was joined by a large group of Italians, French and Spanish participants, totaling an approximate 120 people demonstrating in solidarity with villagers. This expression of solidarity was also extended to others facing oppression and human rights abuses, in particular the harassed residents of Sheikh Jarrah.   The demonstration was accompanied by various songs of resistance and solidarity in many languages. Upon reaching the entrance of the village, demonstrators were faced with a blockade of 4 IOF jeeps and more than 20 armed soldiers.     Continuing their resistance, demonstrators sang songs and made speeches in front of the soldiers and Palestinian flags and banners were raised. The soldiers’ disproportionate response to these peaceful acts of resistance was to forcibly push the protesters back towards the village.   The demonstration came to its conclusion following the IOF’s use of concussion grenades on the peaceful crowd, after which time the demonstrators were forced to disperse. TOP