Welcome, Wednesday 19 November 2008, 22:48

Checkpoint Simulations Background to the Event Photos from Previous Events Background As part of the continuing campaign to raise the profile of the struggle in Palestine, the group stages a mock checkpoint on busy Saturday lunchtimes in Exeter's High Street. A 'snap-shot' image of life in occupied Palestine is presented to the public by this simulated checkpoint. We have found this way of engaging the public is much more informative than a leaflet. Unlike a leaflet the image once seen cannot so easily be disposed of. The number of people stopping and considering the issue of Palestine is increased many fold when the checkpoint simulation is used in conjunction with the information stall. The recent introduction of story-boards, worn around the necks of volunteers at the checkpoint has added a further enrichment to the level of understanding of passers by. People are not only struck by the image of kneeling detainees but pause to take in the scene and read the personal information contained on the story-boards. They often then engage with PSC members around the stall and discuss the issues further. The next checkpoint event will be: We plan to next go outside Exeter, so let us know if you want us to visit your town. There will be; Two members/volunteers dressed as soldiers, A group of volunteers to act as detainees, Two members/volunteers to act as peace activists, one of whom will comment to those passers by who stop to watch. Scenario: Two members dressed as soldiers, using a loud hailer will order volunteers among the public to stop and approach a simulated checkpoint. The volunteers will 'freeze' and just stand there. They will be summoned again but they will not approach the checkpoint. One soldier will therefore leave the checkpoint will go through the passers by and grab the volunteers and push them to it. At the checkpoint they will be asked for their identification papers. One will have papers the other will not. The one without papers will argue quietly to be let go to continue their journey. He or she will be told to stand to one side and be quiet, but does not do so. That person will be told again to stand to one side and be quiet, but again will refuse and try to leave. The soldier will seize them tie their hands behind their back, force them to kneel down and then blindfold them. The second volunteer having presented correct papers, will argue against this treatment of their companion. He or she will then have their papers confiscated. The volunteer will protest this and argue for their papers back and will be told to shut up and go home. The volunteer does not but continues to ask for their papers back even trying to snatch them back. At this the soldier will do the same to them as to the other volunteer, placing them side by side. One of the peace activists, who will have been giving out short leaflets on Palestine (and this event) will draw near to the soldiers but at first not interfere. However, with the arrest of the second volunteer he or she will start to question the soldiers. "What have they done to deserve this? Why are you treating them like this?" The soldiers will largely ignore these protests. At the end of the simulation all the participants will engage with the public to encourage them to sign petitions and contact lists to oppose the illegal occupation of Palestine and the building of the apartheid wall. One soldier and the detainees to remain as a visible reminder for those signing the petition. Volenteers Needed... We have arranged the roles of the soldiers and peace activists. However, we urgently need more volunteers to take on the role of detainees. Since anyone can be detained in the illegally occupied territories we would like volunteers to be dressed in a range of personas. ie A business person (with brief case); a student with books; pupil with satchel; women going shopping; young men 'hanging out'; a family visiting friends; a blue-collar working person going to work; white collar office worker going to work. If you would like to help in any of these capacities please contact us as soon as possible. We would also like volunteers to assist on the stall during that day and possibly someone to photograph and/or video the event. If you are still interested then please read the suggested dialogue and actions. Some Photos From Previous Checkpoints: (Click each one individually to enlarge)   Contact Webmeister: fuad@exeterpsc.org.uk All text and graphics © Exeter PSC 2003-7, and/or their respective owners.