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PCHR Weekly Report: 9 Palestinians Killed, 112 Wounded By Israeli Soldiers & Settlers this Week
Israeli troops search Palestinian man at flying checkpoint in Beit Ummar village
In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 26 Nov. – 02 Dec. 2015, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that Israeli forces continued systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories. 9 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children and a young woman, were killed in the West Bank. One of them was killed by Israeli settlers.
112 Palestinian civilians, including 25 children, were wounded in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Israeli forces conducted 91 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. 78 Palestinian civilians, including 19 children, were abducted. 9 of them, including 3 children, were abducted in occupied Jerusalem.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
On Thursday, 26 November 2015, Israeli forces killed Yehia Yosri Hasan Taha (20) from Qattnah village, northwest of Occupied Jerusalem following clashes between the Israeli forces and dozens of Palestinian young men.
On the same day, Israeli forces killed Samer al-Seiryasi (51) while stepping out of a taxi at Za'tarah checkpoint, south of Nablus. Israeli forces as usual claimed that the killed person attempted to stab settlers waiting at a bus stop, south of the checkpoint.
In the evening, medical sources at al-Ahli Hospital in Hebron announced that Khaled Mahmoud Jabreen Jawabrah (19), from al-Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, succumbed to an injury he sustained to the left upper side of the belly. He was with other young men throwing Molotov cocktails at the military watchtower established in the opposite side of the western entrance of the camp.
On 27 November 2015, an Israeli settler opened fire at Fadi Mohammed Mahmoud al-Khasib (25) from Beirbala village, northwest of occupied Jerusalem, while he was passing by the intersection of "Kfar Adomim" settlement in al-Khan al-Ahmar area, east of Jerusalem. He was wounded with several bullets and immediately died.
In the afternoon, Israeli forces stationed at the entrance to Beit Ommer village, north of Hebron, opened fire at a civilian car with an Israeli registration plate. As a result, the driver Omer Arafat Essa al-Za'aqiq (19) was killed under the pretext of running over 5 Israeli soldiers at the said entrance. The corpse was transported later by an Israeli ambulance to an unknown destination.
On 29 November 2015, Israeli border guard agents opened fire at Basim 'Abdel Rahman Mustafa Salah (38) from Nablus after he stabbed an Israeli soldier in al-Wad Street in East Jerusalem's Old City. As a result, he was hit with more than 11 live bullets fired at him from a close range, so he immediately died in the scene.
On the same day afternoon, Israeli forces killed Ayman Samih al-'Abbasi (17) from Selwan village when he was participating in a demonstration organized in Ras al-'Amoud neighbourhood, east of the East Jerusalem's Old City protesting against the death of Basim Salah, who was killed in the above mentioned crime.
On 01 December, Israeli forces shot dead Ma'moun al-Khatib (16) from al-Dohah village, west of Bethlehem. Israeli forces claimed that al-Khatib attempted to carry out a stab attack near "Gosh 'Etzion" settlement complex, south of the city.
On the same day, in excessive use of forces, israeli forces stationed at 'Inab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm shot dead Maram Hasounah (20) from Nablus who arrived at the checkpoint holding an axe while there were no Israeli soldiers in the area. The girl started hitting the watchtower established in the area with the axe. Therefore, the Israeli soldiers opened fire at her and she immediately died.
During this week, 87 Palestinians, including 24 children, were wounded. five of whom, including 2 children, were wounded in occupied East Jerusalem and its suburbs while the rest were wounded in the West Bank Cities.
The Palestinian civilians wounded in the West Bank were distributed as follows:
In peaceful protests against Israeli policies: 59 Palestinian civilians, including 16 children, were wounded. Forty-three of them were hit with live bullets; 15 others were hit with rubber-coated metal bullets and one was hit with a gas canister.
In peaceful protests against Israeli incursion: 15 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children, were wounded. One of them was hit with live bullets and 14 others were hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet.
At the checkpoints and public roads: a Palestinian civilian was hit with live bullets.
In peaceful protests against the annexation wall and settlement activities: 7 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, were wounded. Six of whom were hit with live bullets and one was hit with rubber-coated metal bullets.
Palestinian civilians wounded in occupied Jerusalem: 5 civilians, including 2 children, were wounded. All of them were hit with live bullets.
Israeli forces have turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 9th year.
Many temporary checkpoints were established in the West Bank and many others were re-established in a way obstructing the traffic.
5 Palestinian civilians, including a boy child and a young woman, were abducted at checkpoints in the West Bank.
Dream Radio in Hebron was closed for 6 months under the pretext of broadcasting "incitement", and its contents were confiscated. Israeli forces raided Dream Radio office after blowing the main door. They cut off the electricity and internet cables. In addition, they confiscated broadcast devices, including mixers, PCs, laptops, microphones and cameras.
8 buses were confiscated from Abdul Rahim al-Tamimi Transport Company under the pretext that they had been used to transport non-violent protesters to a demonstration to exercise their free speech.
Israeli forces continued efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem. A house belonging to the family of al-'Akari family in Shu'fat refugee camp, was bombed on grounds of collective punishment.
House demolitions and demolition notices
As part of the collective punishment policy practiced by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians, Israeli forces exploded the house of Ibrahim al-'Akari in Sho'afat reufgee camp, north of East Jerusalem causing severe damages to his brothers' houses. Ibrahim's house is located in the third floor in a 3-storey building, where his widow and 5 children live. Al-'Akari was killed by Israeli forces on 05 November 2015 after carrying a run over attack killing an Israeli officer and settler in al-Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood.
On 27 November 2015, On Friday morning, 27 November 2015, Israeli municipality crews protected by Israeli border guard agents and Special Forces moved into the neighborhoods of al-Bustan and Beer Ayoub in Selwan village, south of occupied Jerusalem's Old city, and distributed administrative demolition orders to residential and commercial facilities under the pretext of construction without a license.
On 29 November 2015, the Israeli municipality court issued a decision to demolish two residential apartments in Beer Ayoub neighborhood in Selwan village, south of the Old City, with self-demolition hand tools under the pretext of construction without a license.
On 01 December 2015, the family of Nabil al-Disi self-demolished a bathroom in their house following an order issued by the Israeli municipality court under the pretext of building without a license.
On 01 December 2015, Israeli forces demolished two apartments in al-Ashqariyah neighborhood in Beit Hanina, north of Jerusalem, under the pretext of building with a license. The two apartments belong to Fawaz Mohammed Hasan al-Rajabi whose apartment is 60 square meters and shelters his nine family members, including 7 children and Nasri 'amer Mohammed Hasan al-Rajabi who apartment is 60 square meters and shelters his 7 family members, including 5 children.
As part of targeting hospitals and medical centres, on 01 December 2015, Israeli forces raided al-Maqased Hospital in al-Tour neighbourhood, east of East Jerusalem's Old City, and fired tear gas canisters at it under the pretext of searching for "Molotov Cocktail throwers".
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wounded 25 civilians, including a child. eighteen of them were hit with live bullets, six with rubber-coated metal bullets, and one with a tear gas canister.
The Palestinian civilians wounded in the Gaza Strip were distributed as follows:
North of the Gaza Strip: 3 Palestinian civilians were wounded; two of whom sustained a live bullet wound, and the other was hit a gas canister.
Gaza City: 11 Palestinian civilians were wounded. Five of whom were hit with live bullets and 6 others were hit with rubber-coated metal bullets.
Central Gaza Strip: 9 Palestinian civilians, including a child and an elderly woman, were hit with live bullets.
Khan Yunis: 2 Palestinian civilians sustained live bullet wounds.
In the context of shooting incidents at the border area, on 20 November 2015, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia village, and off al-Sudaniya shore, west of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire heavily at Palestinian fishing boats for about 20 minutes. Neither casualties nor material damage were reported. The shooting recurred in the same area on 30 November and 01 December 2015.
Israeli gunboats continued to target Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip sea, but no casualties were reported.
Israeli settlement activities:
Settlement activities have continued in the West Bank. 3 residential tents and 12 livestock barns in the northern Jordan Valley were demolished, due to which, 19 persons, including 6 children, became homeless.
On 26 November 2015, Israeli forces moved into al-Haiddiyah area in the northern Jordan Valley, east of Tubas. The Israeli forces immediately demolished 3 residential tents and 12 livestock barns built of it and tin plates belonging to three families comprised of 19 members, including 6 children, living in the area.
On the aforementioned Thursday, Israeli forces moved into al-Hawawer area in the northern area in Hebron and levelled an 80-cubic-meter rainwater collection pool used for agricultural purposes belonging to Jihad 'Abdullah Karajah under the pretext of building in Area "C".
On 27 November 2015, Israeli forces confiscated an excavator belonging to Ashraf Sawalmah from 'Asirah village, north of Nablus,. The excavator was in a land belonging to Mahmoud Hendiyah from Beit Dojn village, east of the city, cultivating the land.
At approximately 07:00 on Monday, 30 November 2015, Israeli forces accompanied by a jeep belonging to the construction and organization department in the Israeli Civil Administration and crane in Kherbet al-Deir, east of 'Ein al-Beidaa' village in the Northern Jordan Valley, north of Tubas. They confiscated 4 water pumps used by farmers to irrigate their plants. The pumps belonging to 'Ammar Jihad Daraghmah; 'Ali Mohammed Bayer Motawe'a; Hussein Saleh Daraghmah and Yasser Mahmoud Asmar Daraghamah.
Israeli attacks against non-violent demonstrators:
Israeli forces have continued to use excessive force against Palestinian civilians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the majority of whom were youngsters. Occupied East Jerusalem witnessed similar attacks.
At approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 26 November 2015, a number of Palestinian young men gathered in front of an Israeli military camp established on the western lands of the Palestine Technical University "Khadouri", west of Tulkarm, in protest against the Israeli policies in the oPt. When the protesters arrived at the area, Israeli forces moved into the western lands of the university and then heavily fired tear gas canisters at the protesters. After which, the protesters threw stones and Molotov cocktails at the Israeli vehicles. Due to which, Israeli soldiers chased the stone-throwers into the area and fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at them.
As a result, 6 protesters, including a child, were wounded with live bullets to the lower limbs of their bodies. They then were taken to Thabet Thabet hospital in Tulkarm to receive medical treatment.
At approximately 12:00 on Thursday, a number of Palestinian young men gathered in al-Naqar neighborhood near the annexation wall, west of Qalqilya, and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed in the area. Due to which, Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters at the protesters.
As a result, a child was hit with a tear gas canister to the left elbow.
At approximately 12:00 on Friday, 27 November 2015, a number of Palestinian young men gathered in al-Naqar neighborhood near the annexation wall, west of Qalqilya, and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed in the area. Due to which, Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters at the protesters.
As a result, 4 civilians, including 3 children ,were wounded. One of whom was hit with a live bullet while the three others were hit with rubber-coated metal bullets. Moreover, the Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters inside a house belonging to Omar Abed al-Karim Dawoud, due to which the windows of the house were smashed. In the meantime, the Israeli forces fired a sponge-tipped bullet at a PRCS ambulance, due to which the ambulance windows were smashed and the ambulance crew suffered tear gas inhalation. In his testimony to a PCHR fieldworker, Monther Nazal , Director General of PRCS in Qalqilya said:
"At approximately 15:20 on Friday, 27 November 2015, the PRCS ambulance crew consisting of the ambulance driver, Azmi al-Aqra', and paramedic, Mohamed Fayoumi, were usually parking the ambulance in a safe place near al-Naqar neighborhood, west of Qalqilya. Suddenly, the Israeli forces moved into Qalqilya from another entrance and then immediately fired a sponge-tipped bullet towards the ambulance, which caused the smash of its windows. After which, when the two paramedics attempted to escape from the area by their vehicle, the Israeli soldiers heavily fired tear gas canisters at them.
As a result, the paramedics suffered tear gas inhalation."
On Friday afternoon, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered near al-Huda Petrol Station in al-Balou' neighborhood at the northern entrance of al-Bireh and then headed to the (DCO) checkpoint and "Beit Eill" settlement. The protesters set fire to rubber tires and threw stones and Molotov cocktails at Israeli soldiers. Due to which, the soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters and between the houses.
As a result, 3 civilians were wounded, two of whom were hit with rubber-coated metal bullets while the third one was hit with a live bullet to the right leg.
On Friday afternoon, dozens of young men gathered in the vicinity of Ofer prison, west of Ramallah to organize a demonstration against the Israeli policies and settlers attacks. After which, the protesters made their way to the prison gate, so the Israeli forces closed the gate and deployed in the area. The protesters set fire to rubber tires and threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli soldiers, who immediately fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters at the protesters.
As a result, 10 civilians, including 2 children, were wounded. Seven of whom were hit with live bullets while the three others were hit with rubber-coated metal bullets.
At approximately 13:30 on afternoon, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered in al-Kamb area, south of Halhoul village, and set fire to rubber tires. After which, the Israeli forces moved into the area and deployed between the houses. The protesters threw stones and empty bottles at the soldiers, who chased the protesters and fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them in response. In the meantime, a number of protesters gathered in Ras al-Jourah area, north of Hebron, and then headed to a military watchtower established at the southern entrance of Halhoul village. During which, the protesters threw stones at the soldiers, who heavily fired tear gas canisters at the protesters in response. Additionally, the military vehicles stationed in al-Kamb area withdrew towards the military watchtower and then the protesters chased them there. Due to which, the Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition at the protesters.
As a result, 12 civilians, including a child, were wounded with live bullets.
At approximately 14:00, dozens of young men gathered at the entrance of al-Fawar refugee camp, north of Hebron, where the Israeli soldiers closed the entrance with an iron gate and established a permanently military checkpoint. The protesters threw stones and empty bottles at the soldiers stationed at the entrance. Due to which, the soldiers stationed behind cement cubes heavily fired live ammunition and tear gas canisters at the protesters.
As a result, 2 civilians were hit with live bullets and then were taken by a PRCS ambulance to the city hospitals to receive medical treatment.
At approximately 15:00, dozens of young men from Beit 'Awa village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron, gathered near the security fence established on the village lands in the western area. After which, two Israeli patrols arrived at the area and stationed behind the security gate along the security fence. The protesters threw stones at the soldiers, who heavily fired tear gas canisters from a launcher fixed on a military jeep against them. The protesters then spread in the agricultural lands while the soldiers chased them into the agricultural fields and fired live bullets at them.
As a result, 3 protesters were hit with live bullets throughout their bodies and then were taken by a PRCS ambulance to the city hospitals to receive medical treatment.
At approximately 16:30 on Friday, a number of youngsters organized a demonstration in the center of Beit Foreek village, east of Nablus, and then made their way to al- Kenitra Mountain, southeast of the village. When the youngsters arrived at the area, Israeli soldiers stationed in the military watchtower in the vicinity of "Itamar" settlement fired sound bombs and live bullets at the youngsters.
As a result, 2 children were hit with live bullets and were then taken to the village clinic. After the wounded children received first aid, they were taken by an ambulance to Rafidia hospital in Nablus. When the ambulance arrived at Beit Foreek checkpoint at the main entrance of the village, Israeli soldiers obstructed it for 20 minutes.
At approximately 12:30 on Saturday, 28 November 2015, a demonstration started from the vicinity of 'Alaa' al-Hashash house from 'Askar refugee camp, northeast of Nablus, who was killed by the Israeli forces at Hawara checkpoint, south of the city, on 23 November 2015. The protestors then headed to the abovementioned checkpoint demanding to release the corpses that were kept in Israeli custody. When the protesters arrived at the checkpoint, Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters and live bullets in response.
As a result, 2 children were hit with live bullets and were then taken to Rafidia hospital to receive medical treatment. Medical sources described their wounds as moderate.
At approximately 13:00 on Saturday, dozens of young men from al-Naqar neighborhood gathered near the annexation wall, west of Qalqilya, and threw stones at the soldiers stationed in the area. Due to which, the Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the protesters.
As a result, a child was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet below the left eye.
At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 29 November 2015, a number of Palestinian young men gathered in front of an Israeli military camp established on the western lands of the Palestine Technical University "Khadouri", west of Tulkarm, in protest against the Israeli policies in the oPt. When the protesters arrived at the area, Israeli forces moved into the western lands of the university and then heavily fired tear gas canisters at the protesters. After which, the protesters threw stones and Molotov cocktails at the soldiers in response. Due to which, the Israeli soldiers chased the stone-throwers into the center of the university campus and fired live ammunition, rubber coated-metal bullets, and tear gas canisters.
As a result, 4 protesters, including a child, were wounded with live bullets. The health condition of one of the wounded children was described as serious, as a live bullet penetrated his left arm causing fractures and then penetrated his abdomen causing laceration in his stomach and liver. The abovementioned wounded child was taken to Rafidia hospital in Nablus and underwent a surgery.
On Sunday afternoon, dozens of youngsters gathered near al-Huda Petrol Station in al-Balou' neighborhood, at the northern entrance of al-Bireh city. They then headed to the (DCO) military checkpoint and "Beit Eill" settlement. The protesters set fire to rubber tires and threw stones and Molotov cocktails at Israeli soldiers who fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters and between the houses.
As a result, 3 civilians were wounded, 2 of whom were hit with rubber-coated metal bullets while the third was hit with a live bullet to the right thigh causing rupture in the blood-vessels. Among the wounded persons was Hassan Ibrahim Najar (72), who was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the head.
At approximately 13:00 on Tuesday, 01 December 2015, dozens of youngsters gathered in al-Naqar neighborhood near the annexation wall, west of Qalqilya, and threw stones at the soldiers stationed in the area. Due to which, the soldiers immediately fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters.
As a result, 4 civilians, including 2 children, were wounded with rubber-coated metal bullets. Moreover, a tear gas canister landed in a house belonging to Ziad Dawoud Melhim, due to which the house caught fire. After which, the Civil Defense Crews put the fire out. Furthermore, the Israeli forces moved into the aforementioned area from another entrance and fired tear gas canisters towards al-'Awda School for girls.
As a result, Alaa' Sa'eid Qashmar (12) suffered tear gas inhalation and was then taken to Dr. Darwish Nazal Hospital.
At approximately 13:30 on Friday, 27 November 2015, dozens of youngsters headed to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Faraheen area in 'Abasan village, east of Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip. A number of protesters approached the border fence, set fire to rubber tires and threw stones at the soldiers stationed along the fence. Additionally, some of the youngsters placed the Palestinian flag on the border fence. Due to which, Israeli soldiers sporadically fired live ammunition and tear gas canisters at the protesters.
As a result, 2 civilians, were wounded with live bullets and were then taken to the Gaza European Hospital to receive medical treatment. The health condition of the two civilians was described as moderate.
In the meanwhile, Israeli forces stationed in Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing, northwest of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip, fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at dozens of protesters, who were on the road between the Palestinian and the Israeli sides of the crossing. The protesters threw stones at the soldiers in protest at the Israeli attacks against the Palestinian civilians in Jerusalem and the West Bank.
As a result of the clashes, which continued until 17:30, three civilians were wounded. Two of whom were hit with live bullets, while the third was directly hit with a tear gas canister.
At approximately 14:00 on Friday, dozens of youngsters headed to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Bureij refugee camp in the center of the Gaza Strip. The protesters set fire to rubber tires and threw stones at the soldiers stationed behind the sand barriers along the border fence. Due to which, Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition and tear gas canisters at the protesters.
As a result, 8 civilians, including a child, were wounded with live bullets. The wounded civilians were then taken to al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. The health condition of one of the wounded was described as serious, so he was transferred to al-Shifa hospital in Gaza, while the wounds of others ranger between minor and moderate.
Demonstrations against the annexation wall and settlement activities
Following the Friday prayer on 27 November 2015, Palestinians from Bil'in, Ni'lin, al-Nabi Saleh and Budrus village, west and northwest of Ramallah and al-Bireh, organized a peaceful demonstration in protest against the annexation wall and settlement activities. The Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters, sound bombs and rubber-coated metal bullets at the protesters to disperse them. No casualties were reported.
On Friday afternoon, dozens of young men gathered at the western entrance of Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah, on Selwad-Yabroud road, near the Bypass Road (60), in protest against the Israeli policies. The protesters set fire to rubber tires and threw stones and Molotov cocktails at the soldiers. Due to which, the soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber- coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at the stone-throwers and chased them into the village.
As a result, a 22-year-old male, who was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the upper lip and then was taken to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah to receive medical treatment.
At approximately 12:00 on Friday, Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a protest in the center of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, and made their way to the eastern entrance of the village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. When protesters arrived at the gate, Israeli forces fired live ammunition, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets and sound bombs at them.
As a result, many civilians, including a child, were wounded with live bullets.
On Saturday, 28 November 2015, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered in the center of Budrus village, west of Ramallah and al-Bireh, and then made their way to the annexation wall in the southwest of the abovementioned village. The Israeli forces closed the wall gate with barbed wires and prevented the demonstrators from heading to lands behind it. Due to which, the protesters threw stones at the soldiers, who fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters and chased them between the olive fields until the village outskirts.
As a result, a 17-year-old male, was hit with a live bullet to his left leg.
At approximately 12:00 on Saturday, 28 November 2015, Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a demonstration from the center of Kafor Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, and then headed to the eastern entrance of the village in protest against closing the entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. When the protesters arrived at the gate, the Israeli forces fired live ammunition, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets and sound bombs at the protesters in response.
As a result, 3 civilians were hit with live bullets. One of whom sustained serious wounds and underwent an operation due to a rupture in a blood vessel in his leg.
Recommendations to the international community:
Due to the number and severity of Israeli attacks in the past week, the PCHR made several recommendations to the international community. Among these were a recommendation that the international community and the United Nations use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination, through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine.
In addition, the PCHR called upon the United Nations to provide international protection to Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and to ensure the non-recurrence of aggression against the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
For the full text of the report, click on the link
PCHR Report on Israeli Human Rights Violations in the oPt (19 – 25 November 2015)
Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (19 – 25 November 2015).
Israeli attacks in the West Bank & Gaza:
Israeli forces have continued to commit crimes, inflicting civilian casualties. They have also continued to use excessive force against Palestinian civilians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the majority of whom were youngsters. Occupied East Jerusalem witnessed similar attacks. During the reporting period, Israeli forces and settlers killed 8 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, in the West Bank, while 2 other civilians, including a child, succumbed to their injuries. Moreover, 121 Palestinian civilians, including 29 children, 2 young women and 2 journalists, were wounded. Thirty of whom, including 5 children and a journalist, were wounded in the Gaza Strip and the others were wounded in the West Bank. Concerning the nature of injuries, 100 civilians were hit with live bullets and 21 ones were hit with rubber bullets.
In the West Bank, killings committed by Israeli forces were as follows:
In new wilful killing crime committed on Thursday, 19 November 2015, Israeli forces killed Shadi Arafah (28), from Hebron, who driving his car near "Gosh Etzion" settlement compound, south of Bethlehem, at the same time when another Palestinian was opening fire at Israeli settlers. Following the killing of Arafah, Israeli forces declared that it was an accident.
On the same day afternoon, medical sources pronounced Mahmoud Elayan (19), from Anata village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem, dead of wounds he sustained earlier. The aforementioned person was seriously wounded on 11 November 2015, at the northern entrance of al-Bireh town. He was then referred to an Israeli hospital in West Jerusalem to receive the necessary medical treatment. He remained there until he succumbed to his injury. Elayan was hit with a hard object to the back of his head, due to which, the skull was fractured and parts of his brain were damaged.
On 22 November 2015, Israeli forces stationed in a watchtower at Hawarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, killed Ashraqat Qatanani (16), from Askar refugee camp, northeast of the city. Israel forces claimed that she attempted to stab 2 female settlers, who were near the checkpoint.
On the same day, a settler opened fire at Shadi Khsaib (31), from Ein Mesbah neighbourhood, in Ramallah, when the latter was passing through "Kfar Adumim" settlement intersection, east of occupied Jerusalem. As a result, Khsaib was killed. Israeli forces claimed that Khsaib was driving a taxi "attempting to run over 2 settlers at the intersection, but he could not. Therefore, he stepped out of the car holding a knife in an attempt to stab them. However, a settler opened fire at him and shot him dead".
Also on the same day, Israeli forces deployed on the main road in front of "Gosh Etzion" settlement, south of Bethlehem, killed Esam Thawabtah (31), from Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. Israeli forces claimed that the aforementioned person stabbed a female settler and killed her. Thawabtah's corpse was taken to an unknown destination.
On 23 November 2015, Israeli forces stationed at Hawarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, killed Alaa Hashash (16), from Askar refugee camp, northeast of Nablus. They claimed that he attempted to stab settlers at a bus stop. However, PCHR's investigations refute the Israeli story, as the aforementioned child passed through the checkpoint in front of Israeli forces and was holding nothing with him. Moreover, no settlers were present at the bus stop then. Israeli forces also seriously wounded a Palestinian young woman, as she was sitting in her father's car.
On the same day, an Israeli police officer opened fire at 2 Palestinian girl children namely Hadeel Awad (16) and Nourhan Awad (14), from Qalandia area, north of East Jerusalem. As a result, the first child was killed and the other was seriously wounded as they were shot from a close range. Israeli forces claimed that the 2 girls were fired at as they attempted to stab Israeli settlers with scissors on Jaffa Street in West Jerusalem.
Also on the same day, Israeli forces killed Ahmed Taha (20), from Qatannah village, northwest of occupied Jerusalem, while he was present in a gas station on road (443) between Jerusalem and Israel. The Israeli police stated that Israeli forces that were present in the area opened fire at a Palestinian, who killed a settler and wounded another.
On 25 November 2015, Israeli forces stationed at the western entrance of al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron, shot dead Mohammed al-Shobaki (21) from the aforementioned camp after stabbing an Israeli soldier stationed at the entrance. As a result, he was hit with several bullets throughout his body and then taken to Hadassa Hospital in Jerusalem, where his death was shortly declared.
In the afternoon, medical sources in Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah declared the death of Ibrahim Dawoud (16) from Deir Ghassanah village, northwest of the city as he was wounded on 11 November 2015 at the northern entrance of al-Bireh. Dawoud is the second wounded person who succumbed to his wounds during this week among those wounded in the aforementioned day in the same incident.
During this week, 91 Palestinians, including 24 children, 2 girls and a journalist, were wounded. Six of whom, including a child, were wounded in occupied East Jerusalem and its suburbs while the rest were wounded in the West Bank Cities.
The Palestinian civilians wounded in the West Bank were as follows:
In peaceful protests against Israeli policies: 75 Palestinian civilians, including 21 children and a girl, were wounded. Fifty-nine of them were hit with live bullets and 16 others were hit with rubber-coated metal bullets.
In peaceful protests against Israeli incursion: 6 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded. Five of them were hit with live bullets, and one was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet. At the checkpoints and public roads: 2 Palestinian civilians were wounded. One of them was a girl who was hit with live bullets.
In peaceful protests against the annexation wall and settlement activities: 2 Palestinian civilians were hit with rubber-coated metal bullets.
Palestinian civilians wounded in occupied Jerusalem: 6 civilians, including a child, were wounded. Five of them were hit with live bullets and one was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wounded 30 civilians, including 5 children and a journalist. Twenty-nine of them were hit with live bullets, and one with a rubber-coated metal bullet in addition to dozens who suffered tear gas inhalation.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wounded 18 civilians. Sixteen of them, including 3 children and 2 journalists, were wounded in peaceful protests, while 2 fishermen were wounded in the sea. Eleven of the wounded were hit with live bullets, 3 were hit with rubber bullets and 4 were hit with tear gas canisters.
The Palestinian civilians wounded in the Gaza Strip were as follows:
North of the Gaza Strip: 2 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded; one of whom sustained a live bullet wound, and the other was hit with rubber-coated metal bullets. Gaza City: 14 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were hit with live bullets.
Central Gaza Strip: 10 Palestinian civilians, including a child and a journalist, were hit with live bullets. Khan Yunis: 4 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, sustained live bullet wounds.
In the context of shooting incidents at the border area, on 20 November 2015, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip, east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at the border area, but neither casualties nor material damage were reported. The shooting recurred in the same area on 21 November 2015.
On 25 November 2015, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at the agricultural lands and residential neighbourhoods in Khaza'ah village to the west of the aforementioned fence. On 25 November 2015, the shooting recurred in the same area, but no casualties were reported.
Concerning targeting Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea, at approximately 07:00 on Sunday, 22 November 2015, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha resort, west of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire in the vicinity of Palestinian fishing boats and chased them. A similar shooting incident was reported on 23 and 25 November 2015, but no casualties were reported.
In the context of Israeli airstrikes, on 23 November 2015, Israeli warplanes raided a Palestinian training site, southwest of al-Bureij refugee camp, but no casualties were reported.
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 88 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 10 ones in occupied East Jerusalem. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 166 Palestinian civilians, including 35 children. Twenty-seven of these civilians, including 14 children, were arrested in East Jerusalem.
During this week, Israeli forces raided and searched Hebron Radio office in al-Dehdah area in the northern area of Hebron. One of its officers handed the Station Director a military order to shut down the station and confiscate its contents. The Israeli forces' order says that the radio will be shut down for 6 months for "broadcasting incitement".
In the Gaza Strip, on 25 November 2015, Israeli forces conducted a limited incursion in the border area, east of al-Shuhadaa' Cemetery, east of Jabalaia in the northern Gaza Strip,a dn then headed to the southeast of the industrial area, east of al-Tufah neighbourhood, northeast of Gaza City. Neither causalities nor damages were reported.
Restrictions on movement
Israel continued to impose a tight closure of the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 9 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.8 million people. The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip's economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip's exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 38.8%, 21.1% of which suffer from extreme poverty. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 44%, which reflects the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.
Settlement activities
On 20 November 2015, group of Israeli settlers from "Talmoun" settlement established on the western side of the Palestinian lands confiscated from al-Mazra'ah al-Qebliyah village, northwest of Ramallah and al-Bireh, attacked a house belonging to Mohammed Soliman Abu Qare'a. The settlers threw stones at the glass of the balcony's window overlooking the backyard and Molotov cocktails inside it. As a result, a plastic table in the balcony caught fire. On the same day, a group of settlers from "'Immanuel" settlement established on the lands of Deiristaya, northwest of Salfit, attacked a Palestinian taxi cab driven by Malek Mahmoud Helmi Tuleib (35) from nearby Qeirah village causing severe damages to the car. On 22 November 2015, around 20 settlers from "Yitsahar" settlement and under the Israeli forces' protect attacked Burin High Schoold for Boys established at the north-eastern of Burin village, south of Nablus. On the same day, settlers closed the main Tulkarm-Nablus Street near al-Tanib Factory and threw stones at Palestinian vehicles travelling on the Street.
PCHR emphasizes the international community's position that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation, in spite of Israeli military redeployment outside the Gaza Strip in 2005. PCHR further confirms that Israeli forces continued to impose collective punishment measures on the Gaza Strip, which have escalated since the 2006 Palestinian parliamentary elections, in which Hamas won the majority of seats of the Palestinian Legislative Council. PCHR stresses that there is international recognition of Israel's obligation to respect international human rights instruments and the international humanitarian law, especially the Hague Regulations concerning the Laws and Customs of War on Land and the Geneva Conventions. Israel is bound to apply the international human rights law and the law of war sometime reciprocally and other times in parallel in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for victims.
In light of continued arbitrary measures, land confiscation and settlement activities in the West Bank, and the latest 51-day offensive against civilians in the Gaza Strip, PCHR calls upon the international community, especially the United Nations, the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Convention and the European Union – in the context of their natural obligation to respect and enforce the international law – to cooperate and act according to the following recommendations:
1. PCHR calls upon the international community and the United Nations to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination, through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine;
2. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to provide international protection to Palestinians in the oPt, and to ensure the non-recurrence of aggression against the oPt, especially the Gaza Strip;
3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to compel Israel, as a High Contracting Party to the Conventions, to apply the Conventions in the oPt;
4. PCHR calls upon the Parties to international human rights instruments, especially the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to pressurize Israel to comply with their provisions in the oPt, and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the concerned committees;
5. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfil their obligation to ensure the application of the Conventions, including extending the scope of their jurisdiction in order to prosecute suspected war criminals, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator and the place of a crime, to pave the way for prosecuting suspected Israeli war criminals and end the longstanding impunity they have enjoyed;
6. PCHR calls on States that apply the principle of universal jurisdiction not to surrender to Israeli pressure to limit universal jurisdiction to perpetuate the impunity enjoyed by suspected Israeli war criminals;
7. PCHR calls upon the international community to act in order to stop all Israeli settlement expansion activities in the oPt through imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements and criminalizing trading with them;
8. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly to transfer the Goldstone Report to the UN Security Council in order to refer it to the International Criminal Court in accordance with Article 13(b) of the Rome Statute;
9. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to confirm that holding war criminals in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a precondition to achieve stability and peace in the regions, and that peace cannot be built on the expense of human rights;
10. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council to explicitly declare that the Israeli closure policy in Gaza and the annexation wall in the West Bank are illegal, and accordingly refer the two issues to the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Israel to compel it to remove them;
11. PCHR calls upon the international community, in light of its failure to the stop the aggression on the Palestinian people, to at least fulfil its obligation to reconstruct the Gaza Strip after the series of hostilities launched by Israel which directly targeted the civilian infrastructure;
12. PCHR calls upon the United Nations and the European Union to express a clear position towards the annexation wall following the international recognition of the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, as the annexation wall seizes large parts of the State of Palestine;
13. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that both sides must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel, and the EU must not ignore Israeli violations and crimes against Palestinian civilians;
Fully detailed document
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


ISB's Middle School features a challenging and inspiring curriculum, grounded in an inquiry-based program that incorporates math, science, humanities, languages, the arts, and social studies.
Teachers use real world contexts within core subjects to encourage students to experiment and seek deeper answers.
For example, math skills are taught both as stand alone concepts and also linked to everyday problems and situations, giving students the opportunity to generate solutions as part of a relatable learning experience. Science class is lab-based, and students learn by doing and experimenting.
Students can enroll in either of two tracks, French or Spanish, each of which offers a balanced and intellectually demanding academic curriculum.
6th Grade: Language and Literature examines the various ways students connect with literature in their role as reader/audience, writer/creator, and editor/thinker. In each unit they use text(s) - whether short-story, poetry, novel or nonfiction - to investigate an author's craft and model their own use of it.
As an introductory course into the MYP program, and in an effort to prepare our students for the upper middle school years, the class concentrates on the writing process and literary analysis. The objective of the course is for each student to find his/her own voice and feel capable of expressing his/her ideas. Students will also begin building their writing portfolios in 6th Grade, which is an ongoing process throughout the Middle School English curriculum.
Works studied in 6th Grade include: Freak the Mighty, Rodman Philbrick; selected short stories; Beowulf: A New Telling, Robert Nye; Summer of My German Soldier, Bette Greene; Wednesday Wars, Gary D. Schmidt.
7th Grade: Seventh Graders continue to improve their skills in literary analysis. The texts for this course have been carefully selected as avenues for rich discussion, deep inquiry, and evidence-based writing. Students will also be introduced to vocabulary words, writing formats, and test-taking skills that help to prepare them for the high school application process.
Works studied in 7th Grade include: Rocket Boys, Homer Hickam, Jr.; selected nonfiction articles and short memoirs (David Sedaris, Stephen King, and others); selected Short Stories ("The Fun They Had", Isaac Asimov; "Harrison Bergeron", Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.; "Marionettes, Inc.", Ray Bradbury; "Robot Dreams" by Isaac Asimov, "Super-Toys Last All Summer Long", Brian Aldiss; "The Veldt", Ray Bradbury); choice of science fiction novels (1984, George Orwell; Audience for Einstein, Mark Wakely; The Martian Chronicles, Ray Bradbury; and others); Lord of the Flies, William Golding.
8th Grade: In 8th Grade, students continue to develop the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills that will be necessary in high school, college, and beyond. The texts for this course have been carefully selected as avenues for rich discussion, deep inquiry, and evidence-based analysis. The class specifically focuses on preparing writing samples that will help students build their high school application portfolios.
Works studied in 8th Grade include: A Midsummer Night's Dream or Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare; selected short stories ("The Scarlet Ibis", James Hurst; "The Rules of the Game", Amy Tan; "The Cask of Amontillado", Edgar Allan Poe; "The Interlopers", HH Munro; "The Gift of the Magi", O. Henry; "Thank You, Ma'am", Langston Hughes; "Lamb to the Slaughter", Roald Dahl); selected poetry (William Shakespeare, E.E. Cummings, Walt Whitman, Lewis Carroll, Edgar Allan Poe, Basho Matsuo, Edwin Arlington Robinson, Robert Herrick, and others); Animal Farm, George Orwell; Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck.
6th Grade: Spanish/French Language and Literature examines the various ways students connect with literature in their role as reader/audience, writer/creator, and editor/thinker. In each unit they use text(s) - whether short-story, poetry, novel or nonfiction - to investigate an author's craft and model their own use of it.
As an introductory course into the MYP program, and in an effort to prepare our students for the upper middle school years, the class concentrates on the writing process and literary analysis. The objective of the course for students to find their own voices and feel capable of expressing their ideas.
Selected readings from 6th Grade French: Inconnu à cette adresse, Kathrine Kressmann Taylor; Les Fées, Charles Perrault; La boule noire, Thomas Owen; La cafetière, Téophile Gautier; Le tableau, Jean Ray; La gloire de mon père, M. Pagnol; L'assassin est au collège, Marie-Aude Murail.
Selected readings from 6th Grade Spanish: Paradero desconocido, Kathrine Kressmann Taylor; No pidas sardina fuera de temporada, Andreu Martín y Jaume Ribera, M. Pagnol; selección de Rimas y leyendas, Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer.
7th Grade & 8th Grade: These courses continue to help students develop analytical reading, writing, and fundamental language skills (grammar, spelling, conjugation and vocabulary) at a native level. Students broaden their writing and comprehension skills while continuing to apply their critical thinking skills by analyzing texts. Through a wide variety of texts and assignments, students explore the characteristics of different genres.
Selected readings from 7th Grade French: Le Royaume de Kensuké, Michael Morpurgo; Vendredi ou la vie sauvage, Michel Tournier; Yvain le chevalier au lion, Chrétien de Troyes; Le Roman de Renart, Collective; Le Grand Meaulnes; Knock, Jules Romain; Le Médecin malgré lui, Molière.
Selected readings from 7th Grade Spanish: La ciudad de las bestias, Isabel Allende; El caballero de la armadura oxidada, Robert Fischer; Relato de un náufrago, Gabriel García Márquez; 20 poemas de amor y una canción desesperada, Pablo Neruda.
Selected readings from 8th Grade French: L'Enfant d'Hiroshima, Isoko et Ichirô Hatano; selection of letters from different time periods, including Madame de Sevigné and Zola; Un coeur simple, Gustave Flaubert; Un mariage d'amour, Emile Zola; Au Bonheur des dames, Emile Zola; Jeannot et Colin, Voltaire; Le monde comme il va, Voltaire; selected texts from the Enlightenment (Montesquieu, Rousseau, Diderot); Antigone, Jean Anouilh and excerpts from Antigone, Sophocles.
Selected readings from 8th Grade Spanish: El reino del dragón de oro, Isabel Allende; Momo, Michael Ende; Crónica de una muerte anunciada, Gabriel García Márquez; Déjame que te cuente, Jorge Bucay; La casa de Bernarda Alba, Federico García Lorca.
6th Grade: 6th Grade provides the foundations for learning middle level mathematics. Students are introduced to the new mathematics assessment criterion, along with project and problem-based learning. Students gain not only understanding of mathematics concepts, but also the skills to apply what they have learned to real life contexts.
Topics covered in 6th Grade include: Arithmetic (Fractions, Factors, Multiples, Percents, Ratios), Pre-Algebra (Expressions, Properties, Roots, Absolute Value, Integers), Linear Equations and Slope (Variable, Equation, Substitution, Function, Slope), Inequality and Absolute Value Equations (Inequality, Absolute Value), Arithmetic Number Sense Ratios/Rates (Ratios, Equivalent Ratios, Rates, Fractions, Percents).
7th Grade: Students learn problem solving and mathematical reasoning. They learn to communicate and reason mathematically in real life situations. They begin to see mathematical connections between New York State Standards and IB objectives and aims, which are taught throughout the year.
Topics covered in 7th Grade include: Number Sense (Ratios, Proportions, Fractions, Percent), Algebra (Simplifying Expressions), Algebra (Relationship between two variables), Algebra (Systems of Linear Equations, Polynomials), Geometry (Pythagorean Theorem, Distance and Midpoint Formulas).
8th Grade: As the final year of MYP mathematics, 8th Grade mathematics is a course designed to get students ready for the rigors of high school. Students investigate and build mastery of algebraic principles and relationships in contexts related to real world mathematics, research, presentations, and traditional assessment.
Topics covered in 8th Grade include: Number Sense with Rational and Irrational Numbers (Real Numbers, Negative and Positive Integers), Algebraic Functions (Functions and Non-Functions, f(x) formula), Polynomials (Polynomial, Binomial, Trinomial, Like Terms, FOIL Distribution), Relationships Between Two Variables (Variables, Functions), Radical Expressions (Root, Radical, Radical Expressions), Quadratics (Quadratic Formulas, Discriminant, Factorization, Solution, Vertex).
6th Grade: Science is a laboratory/experimental course. Throughout the year, the students have the opportunity to hone their laboratory skills, learn to analyze data, draw conclusions, and find ways to improve their work through reflection and discussion. 6th Grade science encourages students to think critically, to solve problems creatively, and to demonstrate an understanding of basic science concepts. The scientific process is taught through explorations of Life Science (Biology) and Physical Science (Physics and Chemistry).
7th Grade: This course explores Chemistry, Physics, and Biology through an integrated hands-on-approach. Students are encouraged to make connections between scientific concepts and their uses in everyday life, from the physics of forces and the application of these concepts to simple machines to the physiology of the human body.
8th Grade: This course explores the Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Earth Science through an integrated hands-on-approach. Students are encouraged to make connections between scientific concepts and their uses in everyday life.
7th Grade: In the second year of Middle School, students continue to learn and analyze the details of our world's past and present. Classes use the facts of history as a starting point for inquiry, discussion and critical thinking. Students begin to consider the ways in which citizens of the world interact with their societies in an attempt to cause change. Students then apply this new understanding to the world around them.
8th Grade: In students' last year of Middle School, teachers challenge them to continue applying the skills they have learned previously at ISB. They are asked to think critically, inquire deeply, and make connections between past and present. Teachers work to prepare students for the rigors of high school by giving them opportunities to consider new perspectives, work on note-taking skills, engage in discussions, and further develop their strong research skills.
Language Acquisition class introduces ISB Middle Schoolers to a third language (for bilingual track students) or to a second language (for monolingual students) using ISB's highly effective language immersion approach. The curriculum covers communication strategies, grammar skills, spelling, and vocabulary through a variety activities, including songs, listening activities, fiction and/or non-fiction writing, and role-playing (skits). The primary aim of Language Acquisition is to encourage students to gain competence in a modern language other than their mother tongue or target language. Language Acquisition classes also encourage respect for and understanding of other languages and cultures, in addition to providing the skills that facilitate further language learning.
Learning another language greatly contributes to the holistic development of students at ISB. It gives students access to a broader range of input, experiences, and perspectives, as well as the ability to communicate in a language other than their mother tongue or second language.
ISB's physical and health education classes aim to empower students to understand and appreciate the value of being physically active and motivate them to make healthy life choices. Through physical and health education, students are encouraged to appreciate and respect the ideas of others and to develop effective collaboration and communication skills. These skills help students to develop a sense of social responsibility, and self-respect.
Physical and health education also provides students with the opportunity to understand the need for physical fitness. Students learn recreational activities that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. Students will see the value of lifetime activities as a way of developing self-confidence and in taking pride in their accomplishments. Students develop motivation to make healthy life choices.
Throughout the ISB experience, students study different units of physical activity in the PE Program. Invasion games include team handball, soccer, and Tchoukball. For individual sports, students participate in swimming classes at the local YMCA and run track at local fields in Red Hook. Students also have opportunities to express themselves through aesthetic movement, which includes Modern dance, Acrogym, and Latin dance. In ISB's newly built gymnasium, students are able participate in various other physical activities and engage in team sports such as basketball.
The Middle School Visual Arts curriculum strives to create an environment where students can develop their creativity, art making skills and conceptual understanding of the subject. Students keep a process journal where they can design, reflect on their own creative process, and analyze the work of professional artists. Students are encouraged to find their own aesthetic voice through the exploration of various media, including wet, dry, and two and three-dimensional materials.
The Middle School Performing Arts program expands upon the music and choral skills learned in the Lower School, while introducing the topics of theater and the performing arts. Students explore theater through examining its history and creating their own monologues, plays, and performances. They also learn the techniques and skills of technical theater, improvisation, comedy, and performance. Students perform in the school-wide winter concert and have multiple performance opportunities in the spring semester.
In Design class, students are presented with a design problem to which they identify their own solutions. They are encouraged to explore multiple solutions to creative challenges and help each other (with teacher guidance) to achieve technical and conceptual understanding of the statement of inquiry for each unit. The design cycle model underpins the creative process and will be used as the structure for all design projects. The process is divided into four stages: inquiring and analyzing; developing ideas; creating the solution; evaluating. The design cycle is an iterative and cyclical process because solving design problems is not always a linear process.
Students in the English/French and English/Spanish programs all benefit from ISB's bilingual learning environment.
Bilingual Students Students who enter ISB in Lower School or who are already bilingual when they join ISB will continue to build mastery in their target language in Middle School, while also beginning to study a third language.
Monolingual Students Monolingual students who enter ISB in 6th Grade benefit from the school's immersion environment as well. They spend eight periods per week (over 20% of instruction time) in French or Spanish language instruction, supported by an educational environment in which they are surrounded by native-speaking and bilingual peers. This program has enabled these ISB students to place into higher level second language classes when entering high school.
Community Service As part of the Middle School program, students are required to engage in at least ten hours of community service per year. The culminating project is the MYP Project, where students look at a global issue that affects people locally, then plan and carry out a community service project surrounding this issue. 8th Grade concludes with a presentation to the community about the experience.
Expertly Expressive Students use writing, research, and technology tools to develop the critical communication skills needed to navigate a global society.
Diversity ISB fosters intercultural and community awareness through the curriculum and encourages each student to explore his or her own identity.
Technology ISB's curriculum focuses on technological literacy and responsibility and features a 1:1 laptop program.
Holistic Approach to Teaching and Learning Classes and activities are designed to meet the academic, social, emotional, physical, and artistic needs of students.
Advisory Program Students meet with their advisor daily. The program is designed to support students throughout their three years in Middle School and to give them the tools they need to be successful after leaving ISB.
ISB also provides comprehensive support and substantial resources to help Middle School students and their families with the high school application and placement process.
Did you know that George O'Connor's graphic novel series, The Olympians, is the most popular series in the ISB Library? This inspired the Library team and the Middle School Booklets Club to host an immersive extravaganza that would transport 4th Graders to Ancient Greece!
Amid the frenzy of Election Day and Parent Teacher Conferences, the ISB community came together to transform the gym for the 14th Annual Multilingual Book Fair: a forest of enticing French, English and Spanish literature, and to celebrate Literacy Week. The enthusiasm for the events stretched far and wide.


text:
License obtained for age predictor developed by UCLA FSPH Professor
Zymo Research Corp. announced today that it has obtained an exclusive license for a methylation age predictor, also known as Horvath's Clock, so named for Dr. Steve Horvath, professor of biostatistics at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, who is the developer of the epigenetic clock.
Zymo Research
From Zymo Research:
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 18, 2016
Zymo Research Corp. announced today, during the ASHG 2016 Annual Meeting, that it has obtained an exclusive license for a methylation age predictor, also known as Horvath's Clock, so named for Dr. Steve Horvath, professor of biostatistics at the Fielding School of Public Health and of human genetics at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, who developed the epigenetic clock.
Dr. Horvath examined the relationship between DNA methylation and aging. The Horvath Clock uses sample DNA from any biological source (such as adipose tissue, bladder, blood, various organs, etc.), other than sperm, to measure DNA methylation based on 353 epigenetic markers from the human genome. The clock estimates the biological age of most human tissues and cell types.
Horvath's Clock is a groundbreaking tool that could provide profound insight on how biological aging is assessed.
The epigenetic clock can be used for forensic, consumer or academic applications. Dr. Graham Threadgill, Vice President of Global Marketing at Zymo Research said, "The Horvath Clock is an important part of Zymo Research's aging program. We plan to commercialize products in the future based on the epigenetic clock and other related markers. We are excited to be at the forefront of this new field of research and look forward to expanding Zymo's presence in the field of epigenetic analysis."
Dr. Horvath's research in 2013 led him down the path to learn more about the process of human aging and how to slow it down. His Horvath Clock is a tool that compares the biological age of any tissue to its chronological age with consistently accurate results. The epigenetic clock could be used in a broad range of research, such as cancer or stem cell, to offer researchers valuable insights about the biological age of tissues and cell types.
Work-family demands and late-life memory decline in women
Pollutants Emitted From the 2015 Aliso Canyon Methane Blowout Pose Potentially Serious Health Risks, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health Study Finds
Center for Healthcare Management Established at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health
Mathematics ties media coverage of gun control to upticks in gun purchases
Twelve years After Landmark Treaty on Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UCLA WORLD Policy Analysis Center Finds Evidence of Marked Progress, but Gaps Remain That Leave More Than 160 Million Behind
Steve Horvath


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 Michalovice, település a Havlíčkův Brod-i járásban
 Michalovice, település a Litoměřicei járásban
 Michalovice, Petrovice I településrésze a Kutná Hora-i járásban
 Michalovice, Mladá Boleslav településrésze a Mladá Boleslav-i járásban

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Gov. Andrew Cuomo is trying to get under Mayor de Blasio's skin yet again.
As CBS2's Marcia Kramer reported, Cuomo has made no secret about wanting de Blasio to cough up more dough for mass transit. But his latest demand came with a special twist of the knife, since it's common knowledge there's no love lost between de Blasio and the man he replaced, Michael Bloomberg.
Bloomberg is arguably de Blasio's Achilles' heel. De Blasio has led the charge to deny Bloomberg a third term, and he's gone to great lengths to be the anti-Bloomberg in governing the city.
So demanding that de Blasio be more like his predecessor was a Cuomo jab guaranteed to provoke, irritate and annoy.
Cuomo has pledged $8.3 billion in state money for new subway cars and buses, station upgrades and new projects such as the Second Avenue subway. He said the city should contribute $3.2 billion over five years.
The mayor says he won't ante up anything extra unless the state meets certain conditions.
But the MTA said that if the city doesn't pay its fair share, there will be dollar-for-dollar cuts matching whatever the city doesn't contribute.
There are a lot of potential cuts.
"The biggest, most obvious target would be extending the Second Avenue subway to East Harlem," MTA spokesman Adam Lisberg said. "That's the easiest thing to take off the table.


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text:
Behind Closed Doors – C2
A/N: Here we go! We're going all the way back to the beginning, long before she was ever on his show to see how these two met. Enjoy!
DISCLAIMER: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight. I'm here having fun.
-BCD-
Chapter 2: The Game
"Watch where you're—"
"Holy shit." Immediately, I pull my borrowed Capitals' jersey from my chest, as I'm drenched in cold beer. It's seeping into every nook and cranny, leaving my bra just as soaked.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't see you."
Looking up, I'm dazed momentarily by an incredibly handsome man tossing his empty plastic cup in the trash. He's grabbing fistfuls of napkins from a nearby dispenser and dabbing at my chest.
This has been a shitshow of an evening. My best friend and roommate, Angela, begged me to go on this blind date.
"He will be perfect for you," she'd claimed.
I had just finished texting her that Tyler bailed on our date, because his ex-boyfriend decided they should give their relationship another chance. Boy, was Angela wrong about that one.
Thank goodness, I had put my phone away before I ran into this hockey fan accidentally during the break or I would be shopping for a new phone tomorrow.
"I don't think I'm doing much good." He looks over my chest, tossing the wet napkins in the trash.
"Maybe I'll just leave."
"And miss one of the best games of the year? Look, this is my fault." He points toward a shop full of clothes. "Let me buy you a new hockey jersey, then you can get back to watching the game with your boyfriend."
"Boyfriend?" I chuckle. "You must be mistaken. I don't have a boyfriend."
"I thought I noticed you with a guy."
I shrug. "He left to meet up with his ex-boyfriend. Or maybe it's current boyfriend by now. I can't keep up."
"Good to know." He holds out his hand. "I'm Edward Masen."
Letting go of my jersey with one hand while still trying to keep it from coming in contact with my chest, I shake his hand. "Uh, Bella Swan."
"Oh, right. Sorry. What size do you wear?" He leads us toward the store.
"That's kind of a personal question to ask someone you just met."
He brushes off my teasing. "Small?"
I wait outside the store while Edward selects and purchases a new jersey for me in less than five minutes. He's a power shopper.
"Here you go. They only had 'Holtby' in your size. I hope that's okay. You probably would rather have an 'Ovechkin.'" He hands me the plastic bag and points. "I think the women's restroom is in that direction if you want to change."
"You didn't have to do this, but thanks." I have no idea what a 'Holtby' or an 'Ovechkin' are, but I locate the restroom and make the switch, putting my wet bra and Angela's beer-soaked jersey back in the bag. The fabric of the new one is thick enough I can get away without needing a bra, but it does make me a little self-conscious that everyone can see too much since the material clings to my body.
When I exit the restroom, I'm surprised to see Edward leaning against the wall, holding two beers.
His smile brightens when he sees I've spotted him, and he starts walking toward me, holding out one of the beers in his hand.
"It looks like a perfect fit. How about a beer?"
"You didn't have to stick around, but thanks." I reach out, grab the offered beer, and take a sip. "Am I keeping you from the game?"
"No, I was watching one of the television monitors while waiting for you. You know, you look familiar. Have we met somewhere before?"
"I don't think so. What do you do?"
"I work on a television show here in D.C."
"Oh, well, I'm a reporter for the Post."
"Were you by any chance at the White House Correspondents' dinner last week?"
I smile. "I was there with my boss."
"Then, that must be it. I was there too."
"What type of television show?"
"One of those boring, stuffy Sunday morning political types."
"Oh, are you a producer?"
"Uh, no. The host."
"The host? Which one? I know a bit about politics."
"I've just taken over This Week."
"That's one of my favorites. Are you here with some co-workers?"
"I wish. I was trying to woo one of my father's former colleagues into coming on my show, Senator Aro Volturi."
"Wow, he's a big fish. Did you hook him?"
"I'm not sure. I've known him most of my life, but he disappeared not long into the first period." He leans close. "I think he picked up a woman from one of the bars. I'm sure they're headed for the nearest hotel room by now."
"Oh, I didn't know he was single."
"He's not."
"So, why aren't you wearing a Capitals' jersey?"
"I'm originally from Chicago and will always be a Blackhawks fan."
"I don't know much about hockey. My best friend begged me to come to this game in order to meet the 'perfect guy' for me. A blind date that went south when his ex texted him that he wanted to give their relationship another try. Now, I'm old news. Not that I was front page, by any means."
"I would think you would be quite the feature story in my opinion. Since I don't believe the Senator will return, would you like to take his seat and join me for the rest of the game?"
"You would be doing me a huge favor. There's a puck bunny sitting next to us who was trying to put the moves on me. I think she's hoping for a 'Kiss Cam' moment."
"A puck bunny? What in the world is that?"
"They're women who focus on bagging the next great hockey star using whatever means necessary."
"Sounds cut-throat. Aren't you worried about me being a bunny?"
"I think I would rather take my chances with you than her."
"Let me text Angela and let her know I ran into a co-worker, and I'm going to visit for a while."
"A while? Tell her the rest of the game." He holds my beer while I take out my phone.
Edward doesn't lack confidence.
"Oh, wait. She sent me a text not long ago saying she's not feeling well. Her boyfriend Ben is going to take her home."
"Perfect, now you're free for the rest of the game, and I can give you a ride home too." He looks over my surprised expression. "If you need one."
I'm not sure about the ride, but decide to see how this goes with Edward. "I'll think about it."
"Great. Follow me."
I put away my phone and go to grab my beer, but he pulls it back to his chest.
"I've got this." He smirks, and I don't miss the wink either. "Let's just get you to my seats without another mishap."
When he points me in the right direction, I realize we are a lot closer than where I was sitting with Angela and Ben. "Wow, these seats are really close to the ice."
We aren't next to the glass, but we're close and almost in the middle of the rink.
Edward nods. "This is my favorite spot. Although, sitting near the bench for either team is fun too. I forgot to ask, did you want something to eat?"
I pull out a yellow package of peanut M&Ms. "I'm good. Do you want to share?"
I rip into the package and pour some into his waiting hand.
"You aren't going to feed them to me?" He feigns disappointment.
"Maybe I can ask one of your puck bunnies to do that for you."
I turn to get the attention of the heavily made-up, blonde woman with ample boobs next to me, but Edward grabs my arm.
"Don't," he says in my ear over the shouts and murmurs of the fans surrounding us. "Right now, your presence is enough to discourage her. Maybe I should offer to feed the M&Ms to you instead?"
Edward holds up one to my lips, and I'm surprised by the forwardness of his offer, but my mouth opens automatically as he eases it inside. His fingertips barely graze my lips as I watch a slow smile spread across his face. While I'm enjoying his attention, I've never had anyone offer to feed me, and I wonder if this is something he does on dates or to impress women. I watch him pop several into his own mouth, and I'm about to ask for another when our spell is broken by a huge crashing sound against the glass in front of our section.
"Dear Lord! Are they okay?" I watch horrified as the men get up off the ice, throwing off their gloves.
"Yeah, they're fine. Oh, a fight!" Edward looks excited.
"I thought they were playing a game. Why do they just stop all of a sudden and start beating the crap out of each other?" I cringe when I see the bloody knuckles of one player land squarely into the jaw of the other. I look around our section, and there are plenty of fans recording the fight while others cheer them on. "This is ridiculous."
"It's part of the game. Those two have been after each other all night."
"Like gladiators or some kind of deathmatch on ice?"
"Uh, not exactly. Not all hockey games have fights, but sometimes tensions boil over and conversations become heated."
"Aren't those essentially sharp knives on their feet? Why don't they just use those?"
"Because as long as they are upright, the referees will let the fight continue. Once they fall down, then they generally stop it. Sometimes they step in before they throw any punches."
"These are very odd rules. Did you play hockey?"
"Yes, until my junior year of high school. I broke my femur."
"Holy crap, your femur? Isn't that the strongest bone in the body?"
"Yeah, my recovery was long and difficult. I still play in the occasional pick-up game, but now I stick to non-contact sports, like running or golf."
"I see. I'm not really into sports. My dad likes to watch baseball and football."
"Which teams?"
"We're from the State of Washington, so I think it's the Mariners and the Seahawks?"
Edward nods. "What does your dad do?"
"Uh, he's in law enforcement."
"That sounds foreboding. Is he a cop?"
"He used to be. Now he's more of a manager."
"Like a Chief of Police?"
"He was Chief in our town for a while, but now he works here in D.C. for the FBI."
"Wow, that's quite a promotion."
"You can call it something like that."
"What about your mother? Does she like living in D.C.?"
"Uh, no. My parents never married. I was an 'oops' baby. She lives in Florida with my stepfather. What about your parents?"
"They both still live in Chicago. My dad is senior partner of a law firm he started with Senator Volturi, and my mother stays home."
"Do you have any brothers or sisters?"
"Unfortunately, no. I'm an only child. What about you?"
"I wish I could say the same, but I do have a couple of stepsisters," I share, hoping he doesn't notice me cringe at the thought of them. They are two of the most spoiled people I know, and that's being kind. I have lots of other adjectives for them, but I'll keep them to myself for now.
"Did you grow up together?"
"No. I'm almost ten years older than the youngest, and I lived with my dad. They are my stepfather's daughters with his first wife. If you know Aro Volturi, then you probably know her, Dori Volturi. She's married to Senator Caius Volturi, Aro's brother."
"So, your stepfather is Phil Dwyer? The owner of the Florida Marlins?"
Oh, dear. He's starting to piece together my dysfunctional family tree.
"Yes, the Volturis are my mother and Phil's neighbors. Small world, right?"
"After living in D.C. for years, I've found it to be a very small world, Bella."
I look up at the scoreboard and try to figure out how much time is left for this boxing on ice event. "Is it almost over?"
"Yes, about three minutes left in the third period."
"Oh, well, that should go quickly, right?"
"Yes. The Capitals are up by one, and the Hawks should pull their goalie soon."
"Why would they do that?"
"To give them an extra player on offense—which would allow them a better chance of scoring a goal to tie the game and send it into overtime."
I watch Edward as his eyes follow the players on the ice, then suddenly, he throws his arms in the air as a horn goes off.
"What happened?" I look around us, and most people don't appear happy—only Edward.
"The Hawks scored, and it looks like time will run out in regulation, so it ends in a tie."
"So, there's more?"
"Yes. Did you need to get home?"
"No, I can stay. I just have more work waiting for me when I get there. Angela will be happy I stayed for the entire game plus the extra—she says I'm a workaholic. It's why she set me up with Tyler. He works with her boyfriend, Ben, over at the National Archives."
"I bet that's a fun job."
"Yeah, a history buff's dream. So, how do you like hosting your show?"
"It's good. I'm still learning the ropes. I write a column for the Wall Street Journal every week, which keeps me up on all the latest. However, I'm a bit of a news junkie and CNN addict."
"It's always on?"
"Guilty. Or some type of sports game."
"What are your subjects for this week's show?"
"Taxes and government spending."
"Oh, that reminds me, I still need to finish my taxes and submit them."
"Are you a procrastinator, Bella?"
"No, but when you have to pay, you wait as long as possible to hand over the money."
"True. So, tell me, what is Bella Swan, Washington Post reporter, working on right now?"
"That's another very personal question. Will you be asking me to divulge my sources next?" I tease.
"I get it. You write the news. I just discuss current issues revealed by investigative reporters like yourself who do the hard work."
"I'm only teasing. Right now, I'm working on an article about the sale of Native American lands to foreign mining conglomerates. You know, the whole 'exploitation of natural resources' thing. Probably boring for a politically savvy person like yourself."
"Not at all. Sounds interesting. Let me know when you finish the article. I would love to read it."
"Is this your way of asking for my number?"
"If it worked, then yes." He holds out his phone for me to use.
I'm busy punching in my number when everyone around us goes wild with excitement.
I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket, knowing I have his number now too.
Edward looks sad. "The Caps just scored, and the game is over. Can I give you a ride home?" He holds out his hand for me to take, and I hand him back his phone, which he pockets. "Let's not get separated."
I nod, lacing our fingers together, following him and all of the other hockey fans up the steps and out of the building into the night.
"I'm parked in this direction." Edward points toward a building nearby, holding my hand firmly in his.
He finally stops in front of a silver, Lexus LC. I've seen the commercials for this sexy beast and can't wait to slide into the red and black leather seats.
"How long have you had this car?"
Edward opens the passenger side door and helps me inside. "It was a gift to myself for getting This Week."
"It's quite the splurge."
He grins, closes the door, and walks smoothly around the car.
I watch as he gets into the driver's side, pushes the button, and brings the engine roaring to life.
"Where am I headed, Ms. Swan?" He smiles.
"301M. Down by the Nationals Park."
"I know where it is."
"Capitol View on 14th."
"Ah, those are nice apartments."
"What made you choose 301M?"
"It's centrally located for work. Angela, the roommate I mentioned earlier, works at the Supreme Court building, which is about fifteen minutes away. Same with the Post for me."
"What does Angela do there?"
"She works for one of the newly appointed justices, Kate Denali."
"Wow, it is a small world. One of Justice Denali's younger sisters, Tanya, is sometimes on my show."
A flicker of jealousy licks my insides at the realization of Edward wooing female guests to be on his show, but I tamp down that line of thought right away before it gets me in trouble.
Traffic thins once we are away from the arena and Edward passes the National Mall. Our conversation is easy and the ride goes by too fast when I realize he's already pulling into the main entrance of my building, letting the car idle, and waiting for my departure.
"Thanks for the ride, Edward, and the hockey jersey. It was an unfortunate way to meet, but I'm glad we got a chance to get to know each other this evening."
"You're welcome. Maybe we could see each other again?"
"I would like that. Give me a call or text. Maybe we can have coffee or something." I lean over and give him a quick peck on the cheek, then grab my bags and open the passenger door.
"I look forward to it. Good night, Bella."
"Good night, Edward."
A/N: Huge thank yous to Hadley Hemingway and purpleC305 for pre-reading and Midnight Cougar for beta-ing. xx
Pictures of Edward's silver, Lexus LC 500 are in the story gallery. It's one sexy beast and retails for over $90,000, (yikes) which is quite the splurge for landing his new job as host of This Week.