Latheef Farook (Gulf News, 15 October 2000)
The U.S. Embassy in Bahrain and 21 other U.S. diplomatic missions in the region will be shut until tomorrow due to rising anti-American sentiments in the wake of killings of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza by Israeli soldiers and the attack on a U.S. Navy destroyer. Meanwhile, thousands of people took to streets in peaceful processions following Friday prayers carrying posters of Al Aqsa Mosque and shouting" Death to Israel and" Death to America".
One such rally set out from the Hamad Kanoo Grand Mosque and ended with speeches by number of Islamic scholars who spoke of the significance of Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and condemned Israel for killing Palestinians.
Special prayers were also offered in many mosques during Friday prayers when both Israel and its supporters, especially United States, came under criticism.
As a mark of solidarity with Palestinians, the Chairman of Bahrain Journalists Association Nabeel Al Hamer has urged the BJA members to donate their one day's salary to extend support to the Palestinian people.