Wednesday, July 8, 1987

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Knesset defeats bills recognizing as Jews only those converted to Judaism by Orthodox rabbis and restricting Israeli citizenship to Jews converted by Orthodox rabbis [PI 7/9]. Inner cabinet votes to grant concessions for Jewish settlements, including Jerusalem's Jewish quarter, to Israel Electric Company (IEC); Jerusalem Electric Company (JEC) will be allowed to continue serving only its Arab customers [FJ 7/12]. U.S. Consulate in Jerusaleni registers complaint regarding treatment of Arab Americans visiting Israel, demands equal treatment for all Americans [LAT 7/9]. Villagers from 'Ubaydiyya hold peaceful 1-hour demonstration outside Jerusalem offices of the International Com. of the Red Cross to publicize continuing land dispute and recent violence in the Bethlehem-area village [FJ 7/12]. Authorities close Jerusalem's Hakawati theater for 24 hours, preventing commemoration of 15th anniversary of Ghassan Kanafani's murder [FJ 7/12]. Kidnappers of Muhammad Walid Naji, 3-yearold Gaza boy kidnapped 30 June, are apprehended by police; boy is found safe in citrus orchard [FJ 7/12].