No rejoicing for Israeli Arabs on Independence Day

[cali]

Mon Apr 27, 2009 4:51am EDT Email | Print | Share| Reprints | Single Page<-> Text <+>
By Joseph Nasr

UMM EL-FAHM, Israel, April 27 (Reuters) - When Israel marks its 61st anniversary this week, most of the Arab citizens who make up 20 percent of the population will not celebrate.

To many in the Arab minority, the birth of a state that describes itself as a Jewish homeland is no cause for rejoicing.

"Of course I will not celebrate (Independence Day). Why would I when I feel discriminated against? I don't feel Israeli," said Mahmoud Agbaria, 23, a student from Umm el-Fahm.

Israeli leaders have acknowledged institutionalised discrimination against Israel's 1.5 million Arab citizens. Arabs say little has been done.

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http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSLK347696