15 May marked the 65th anniversary to the creation of the Zionist state, which was founded through the etnhic cleansing of Palestine and the expulsion of about 750,000 of its inhabitants, known in Arabic as al-Nakba (the catastrophe). Commemorated each year by Palestinian communities around the world, as well as IDPs in side Palestie, refugees and their descendants call for the return of all Palestinians to their places of origin, in accordance with the UN resolution and declaration of human rights. On 15 May, 2013, hundrerds gathered around Damascus Gate and adjoining streets in Eastern Jerusalem to commemorate the Nakba – both the 1948 expulsion and ongoing house demolitions and expulsions all over the city. Israeli riot police responded violently with tear gas, use of tasers and water cannons, spraying water at protesters, passers-by, shops and even other policemen. Several activists were arrested and taken to the nearby police station, others were lightly injured and treated at the scene.