From the Guardian · · 1m 20s
Heidi Levine saved by Palestinian youths in West Bank attack
Palestinian youths shielded US journalist from Israeli settlers in West Bank.
In brief
Palestinian youths shielded US journalist from Israeli settlers in West Bank. US photojournalist Heidi Levine survived settler attack in West Bank after Palestinian youths used slingshots to protect her. Originally reported by the Guardian.
Heidi Levine attacked in West Bank
US photojournalist Heidi Levine was beaten by masked Israeli settlers during olive harvest in Palestinian village of Abu Falah.
“i probably would have been dead, because for sure it doesn’t take much to kill a person with blows to the head”
Levine's injuries
Levine sustained four fractured vertebrae, two broken ribs and four puncture wounds from the attack.
“i managed to keep my face to the ground, and i don’t know if i took that position to protect myself with my face down or it was their initial blow”
Palestinian youths intervened
Young Palestinian men used slingshots to aim stones at settlers, creating a protective shield for Levine.
“the shabab put themselves in front and were trying to keep them away, keep a protective shield”
Levine's response
Levine vowed to return to West Bank reporting despite injuries and criticized Netanyahu's comments on the incident.
“my work is important, they have bruised me, broken some bones, but they haven’t cracked my spirit”
Netanyahu's statement
Netanyahu's office cast doubt on witness accounts, claiming video showed Levine being helped by an unidentified individual.
“they helped me up because they couldn’t get my things off of me”
Levine's confidence in justice
Levine expressed low confidence in justice, saying attackers would likely face only house arrest without leadership accountability.
“i am not very hopeful, of course, if the government made the decision to do something and crack down on this and get people arrested, they would do it”
Arrests and court action
Israeli police arrested 10 suspects after the attack, with four released under house arrest by Wednesday's court ruling.
“they robbed me of everything i have, a pouch with my documents, my american passport, credit card, camera disk and a small camera bag with two other lenses”
Aftermath
Levine received letters of regret from Israelis and an apologetic call from president Herzog, but criticized the lack of justice.
“he was a teddy bear on the phone, he kept saying i just want to give you a big hug and these are not representative of who this country is”
The takeaway
US photojournalist Heidi Levine survived settler attack in West Bank after Palestinian youths used slingshots to protect her.
