Arab Israelis mourn as Jews celebrate statehood Thousands of Arab Israelis marched in protest Thursday on the anniversary of Israel's declaration of independence, a day Palestinians and many Arab Israelis mark by commemorating what they call the Nakba -- or "catastrophe" -- of Israel's creation. Thousands of Arab Israelis, many waving Palestinian flags, gathered in the Galilee for a protest timed to coincide with the Israeli celebrations. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES