Palestinian Residents Face Uncertain Future as Israeli Authorities Push for Evictions in East Jerusalem Neighborhoods
Zohair Rajabi, a 55-year-old Palestinian resident of Batn al-Hawa, a predominantly Palestinian neighborhood in East Jerusalem, stands on the balcony of his family's home, looking out at the Dome of the Rock. The sight is one he has gazed upon for over 20 years, but today it serves as a poignant reminder of the uncertain future that awaits him and his fellow residents.
Rajabi, who has lived in Batn al-Hawa his entire life, knows that his days there are almost certainly numbered. The neighborhood has long been a target of right-wing Israeli organizations seeking to consolidate control over parts of Jerusalem seized after the 1967 war. One such group is Ateret Cohanim, which describes itself as "the leading urban land reclamation organization in Jerusalem." The group argues that much of Batn al-Hawa lies on the site of a village constructed by a philanthropic trust under Ottoman rule in the late 19th century to house poor Yemeni Jews.
Lawyers acting for the trust have successfully argued in Israeli courts that its prior ownership of the properties in Batn al-Hawa should take precedence over any later purchases made by current inhabitants or their parents or grandparents. A 1970 law gives Jewish people the right to reclaim property in East Jerusalem, which has been used to justify the recent spate of evictions.
Daniel Luria, a spokesperson for Ateret Cohanim, claims that the organization is independent of the trust but has ties with it. He likened the resistance from residents to "Custer's last stand," suggesting that they are fighting an unwinnable battle against the tide of Israeli policy.
However, Rajabi and his fellow residents are not deterred. They believe that the recent spate of evictions is largely due to the war in Gaza, which has created an atmosphere where such actions can be pushed through with ease. The war has also fueled anti-Palestinian sentiment among some Israeli politicians and settlers, who see Palestinians as a threat to Jewish control over Jerusalem.
Rajabi's own family is facing eviction, along with 34 other families numbering around 175 people. The prospect of leaving behind their homes, schools, and community is devastating for many of them, particularly the teenagers among the residents. As one of Rajabi's daughters, Dahreen, said, "Every stone here is a memory for me. I am very worried that we will be split up as a family and I will be away from my friends."
The push for evictions in East Jerusalem neighborhoods has been met with resistance from NGOs like Ir Amim, which claims that the actions are part of a broader effort to maintain a Jewish majority in the city and expand settlements. The Israeli government's most right-wing coalition, which includes extremist ministers deeply committed to this project, has been accused of using such policies to further its agenda.
As tensions escalate, Rajabi and his fellow residents face an uncertain future, with their homes under threat from the very organizations that claim to be working for them. The fate of Batn al-Hawa hangs in the balance, serving as a microcosm of the larger conflict over Jerusalem's identity and control.
Zohair Rajabi, a 55-year-old Palestinian resident of Batn al-Hawa, a predominantly Palestinian neighborhood in East Jerusalem, stands on the balcony of his family's home, looking out at the Dome of the Rock. The sight is one he has gazed upon for over 20 years, but today it serves as a poignant reminder of the uncertain future that awaits him and his fellow residents.
Rajabi, who has lived in Batn al-Hawa his entire life, knows that his days there are almost certainly numbered. The neighborhood has long been a target of right-wing Israeli organizations seeking to consolidate control over parts of Jerusalem seized after the 1967 war. One such group is Ateret Cohanim, which describes itself as "the leading urban land reclamation organization in Jerusalem." The group argues that much of Batn al-Hawa lies on the site of a village constructed by a philanthropic trust under Ottoman rule in the late 19th century to house poor Yemeni Jews.
Lawyers acting for the trust have successfully argued in Israeli courts that its prior ownership of the properties in Batn al-Hawa should take precedence over any later purchases made by current inhabitants or their parents or grandparents. A 1970 law gives Jewish people the right to reclaim property in East Jerusalem, which has been used to justify the recent spate of evictions.
Daniel Luria, a spokesperson for Ateret Cohanim, claims that the organization is independent of the trust but has ties with it. He likened the resistance from residents to "Custer's last stand," suggesting that they are fighting an unwinnable battle against the tide of Israeli policy.
However, Rajabi and his fellow residents are not deterred. They believe that the recent spate of evictions is largely due to the war in Gaza, which has created an atmosphere where such actions can be pushed through with ease. The war has also fueled anti-Palestinian sentiment among some Israeli politicians and settlers, who see Palestinians as a threat to Jewish control over Jerusalem.
Rajabi's own family is facing eviction, along with 34 other families numbering around 175 people. The prospect of leaving behind their homes, schools, and community is devastating for many of them, particularly the teenagers among the residents. As one of Rajabi's daughters, Dahreen, said, "Every stone here is a memory for me. I am very worried that we will be split up as a family and I will be away from my friends."
The push for evictions in East Jerusalem neighborhoods has been met with resistance from NGOs like Ir Amim, which claims that the actions are part of a broader effort to maintain a Jewish majority in the city and expand settlements. The Israeli government's most right-wing coalition, which includes extremist ministers deeply committed to this project, has been accused of using such policies to further its agenda.
As tensions escalate, Rajabi and his fellow residents face an uncertain future, with their homes under threat from the very organizations that claim to be working for them. The fate of Batn al-Hawa hangs in the balance, serving as a microcosm of the larger conflict over Jerusalem's identity and control.
. Their story is heartbreaking, and I can imagine how devastating it must be for them to face eviction from their homes after living there for 20+ years. It's like they're being forced to leave behind a big part of themselves.
. One minute, you've got this group claiming ownership over these properties, and the next thing you know, people are getting evicted because of "right-wing" politics 
. It's so unfair to the Palestinians who have built lives in these neighborhoods.
. These neighborhoods are like family to everyone, and when you take that away, you're taking away a piece of people's identities. I hope someone can do something to stop this 
... I don't get why they can't just keep living there? It feels so unfair that these right-wing groups are trying to push them out. Did you know that I was reading about how the Dome of the Rock is over 1,000 years old?! 
I mean, it's like, what's the big deal about some houses and land in Jerusalem? Can't they just find somewhere else for people to live? It seems so ridiculous that some groups are trying to claim ownership of something that doesn't even belong to them. 
I feel bad for Rajabi and his family having to go through all this stress... what's the point of it all, you know? 
...another example of how settlers think they own the place 
. the whole situation with ateret cohanim and the trust makes no sense to me, it sounds like a recipe for disaster 
the war in gaza has clearly created a toxic atmosphere, but that doesn't excuse the fact that innocent people are being kicked out of their homes 
. it's so sad to think about dahreen and her family being torn apart, the thought of leaving behind every stone as a memory for her is just devastating 
. we need to do more to support these communities and hold those in power accountable 
... its like the gov is trying 2 erase their culture n identity 4 a new jewish majority 
cant imagine wot it would b like 2 lose ur home n ur community 
And all because of this outdated law that prioritizes Jewish control over the city. 
It's like, what does it even mean to be a part of this community anymore?
. The fact that these Jewish organizations are pushing for evictions just because they claim a historical connection to the area is just ridiculous 
.
. The Israeli government needs to find a way to share this city with everyone else who lives here, rather than trying to push people out 
u can feel the desperation in this family's situation its like they're fighting 4 their homes & community & no1's listenin 
i dont think evictions are the answer to maintain a jewish majority its just gonna lead 2 more ppl losin ther homes & livelihoods & more conflict