The caption to this photo identifies the runner as one of 25,000 entrants from 60 countries in the fifth Jerusalem Marathon, here leaving the Zion Gate (of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound) “after running through the Old City.” This marathon is not an athletic event; it’s a colonial affront & assault on East Jerusalem which has been under illegal Israeli occupation & colonization since 1967.

East Jerusalem is a constant scene of Israeli military violence against Palestinians who resist being driven out or having Al-Aqsa destroyed. Running that damn marathon past the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, which is closed to Palestinian males under 50 years-old, is what Israel calls “Judaization,” a policy more appropriately called Israeli apartheid. The intent is to take over urban space in East Jerusalem, isolate & drive out Palestinians, & invent ancient Jewish traditions to justify ethnic cleansing. The marathon was probably a clarion call to Zionists around the world, including nutcase Christian Evangelists.

Not to be daunted by the odds against Palestinians since they have never ceased defiance, we continue to build the economic & cultural boycott of Israel (barcode beginning 729) & demand “no aid of any kind to Israel.”

(Photo by Jim Hollander/EPA)