- 15 nov 2011
Palestinian family to be evicted within two weeks
Silwanic has learnt that Israeli authorities plan to evict a Palestinian family living in Wadi Hilweh within the next two weeks.
The family received a court order notifying them of the eviction expected to take place any time before 28 November 2011.
The threatened family owns the house, and have been engaged in a long legal battle for it with Israeli authorities since the first half of last decade. The family has already lost a plot of land to the Elad settlement association. Should they succeed in appropriating the house, Israeli authorities seek to turn it over to settlers.
The Israeli Department of Procedures has demanded that the family pay 2 million NIS as the only means to keeping the property. Under Israeli law, however, this is impossible.
Over the decades, authorities have used the same tactics to appropriate many other Palestinian homes and properties in Silwan, claiming that the land belonged to Jewish people. On occasion when defendants have proved this to be incorrect, the nominated Absentee Property guardian orders the threatened family to leave their house complaining the real owner live out of the country.
Through a persistent limiting of defendant families’ legal options, the houses are then acquisitioned by the state who turn them over to Elad and other settlement organisations.
http://silwanic.net/?p=22001 15 jan 2012, 22:16 , Respect -
Maria 16 nov 2011
Israeli Municipality Seizes Land in Silwan
JERUSALEM, (WAFA) – The Israeli municipality of Jerusalem Thursday seized a piece of land belonging to a Palestinian Orthodox Monastery in the neighborhood of Al-Thawri, west of the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan, according to a press release by the committee for the defense of Silwan.
The release said the Israeli municipality seized the 850 square meter piece of land in order to turn it into a Talmudic garden and a parking lot.
It added that the Israeli municipality refused a request, submitted by a Palestinian school located near the land, to annex it to the school property in order to build extra classrooms and end the shortage in schoolrooms.
The committee expressed fear that the land would be turned into a Talmudic garden under the control of the Israeli nature and parks authority, surrounding the areas of Wadi Hilweh and Al-Bustan in Silwan.
It called upon the international community to move in order to stop the Israeli escalation in targeting Palestinian residents and their land in Silwan.
To be noted, Israeli authorities’ measures in Silwan aim to remove the entire neighborhood after demolishing its 88 houses and displacing about 1600 Palestinian residents.
http://english.wafa.ps/index.php?action=detail&id=18023 15 jan 2012, 22:16 , Respect -
Maria 17 nov 2011
Municipality earmarks Palestinian land for park in Silwan
Jerusalem Municipality officers officially surveyed a piece of land in Silwan on 15 November, claiming that the land has been earmarked for construction of a public park. The land in question belongs to two Palestinian and lies between Abbasiyeh, Abu Tur and Rababeh Valley neighborhoods, and next door to an elementary school for girls. There is fear that the land could be the next Israeli appropriation of Palestinian land under the auspices of the Nature Authority.
Municipality officers conducted the visit in conjunction with representatives of the Mount of Olives Development Center, an organization linked to the Municipality. Palestinian residents of Silwan have expressed fear that the land will be taken over by the Israeli Nature Authority for conversion to a protected green space, completing the Israeli-controlled encirclement of Al-Bustan and Wadi Hilweh districts.
The adjacent school had requested permission to expand on to the land but was refused by the Municipality.
Municipal officers stated that the park project will commence implementation in the coming week.
http://silwanic.net/?p=22122
Palestinian land in Wadi Hilweh to be converted to Municipal park
Jerusalem Municipality officers and Israeli troops raided a plot of Palestinian land in Wadi Hilweh yesterday morning, 16 November.
Troops removed the iron gate to the land, which belongs to the Al-Helaisi family of Wadi Hilweh. Several olive trees were destroyed by troops, the Municipality later claiming that they had been planted there “without permission”. Troops then confiscated the iron gate and remains of the trees.
The raid is the most recent in what has been a slew conducted on Palestinian properties throughout Silwan.
http://silwanic.net/?p=22125
Include Silwan settlements in visiting dignitaries’ tours, says minister
Silwan’s settlements should be included in the official tours conducted for visiting diplomats, said Israeli deputy foreign minister Dani Ayaloun on Tuesday, 15 November. The statement was made despite evidence that all settlements in Silwan, such as the best-known City of David settlement, is constructed on confiscated Palestinian land.
The City of David was visited recently by Dani Ayaloun, accompanied by Elad settlement group head David Beiry. Ayaloun visited one of the tunnels in the archaeological site, which Elad claims to be the remains of King David’s biblical palace.
The visit was made with the agenda of promoting Silwan as a site of Jewish heritage – a claim that excludes a long Palestinian history in the area. Excavations at the City of David site have yet to produce any evidence that the site is in fact what Elad claims.
Residents of Silwan have pursued court cases against Elad in an attempt to halt the dangerous tunnel-digging. While partially successful, the digging has now recommenced after a 14 month pause. Elad conducts the excavations in cooperation with the Israeli Antiquities Authority.
The tunnels have been a source of considerable controversy and pose a threat to the well-being of Wadi Hilweh’s large Palestinian population. Several buildings and roads have caved in as a result of the tunnel-digging. Most recently, Elad has converted a tract of Palestinian land in Wadi Hilweh into the Givatee Parking Lot to service tourists visiting the City of David.
http://silwanic.net/?p=22129 15 jan 2012, 22:16 , Respect -
Maria 18 nov 2011
Mohammed Oudeh released from prison
Al-Bustan resident Mohammed Mousa Oudeh was released from prison on 17 November, after 20 months in Israeli detention ,the charge aganist Mohammed was Resistance the settlement policy in Silwan.
http://silwanic.net/?p=22176
After Sumrain, who is next?
100% of Silwan’s Palestinian residents view the coming eviction of the Sumrain family in Wadi Hilweh as a disaster for the neighborhood, a Silwanic poll found. The opinion poll, conducted with residents of Silwan on 13 November on the possible transferal of the house to settler ownership, found a common fear throughout the village of what the eviction might implicate for their futures.
Those interviewed state that the house’s strategic location makes it a key prize in Israeli settler groups’ quest for control of the village. Should settlers succeed in taking the house, it will further increase the harassment and danger residents suffer at the hands of settler security guards, and further degrade what remains of their privacy, as settler surveillance camera networks are bound to be expanded.
The poll found that the Sumrain family’s home had become a symbol in many residents’ minds as a tipping point in the struggle for Silwan. Many expressed fears that a successful eviction would “double” settlers’ confidence and intent to take the entire neighborhood, fueling further excavations at the City of David settlement and other physical takeovers.
Residents also expressed an urgent need to remain unified in the face of increased pressure of settler takeover and a need to stay informed of the settlers’ agenda.
http://silwanic.net/?p=22184 15 jan 2012, 22:17 , Respect -
Maria 15 jan 2012, 22:17 , Respect -
Maria 21 nov 2011
Residents build protest tent in stand against Sumrain eviction
Residents of Silwan erected a tent in Wadi Hilweh today, 20 November, in protest to Israeli authorities’ plans to evict the local Sumrain family. The eviction, scheduled to take place on 28 November, poses a major strategic gain for the settler movement in Silwan.
The Sumrain family has been ordered to pay 2 million NIS to the “execution office”, despite the fact that payment would not even halt or slow the eviction process. Once the family has been evicted, it is expected that the ”execution office” will transfer ownership of the property to the Elad settler organisation, which has spearheaded the settlement movement in Wadi Hilweh.
The organisation enjoys extensive support from state bodies such as the Israeli Antiquities Authority and tourism boards in their City of David archaeological project.
http://silwanic.net/?p=22262 15 jan 2012, 22:17 , Respect -
Maria 22 nov 2011
Israeli forces abduct two children on their way home from school
wo children on their way home from school were abducted by Israeli forces on the afternoon of 22 November.
1- Omar Amer Abu Madi, 11, and
2- Ala’ Salah Abu Madi, 11,
both from Al-Hara al-Wasta neighborhood, were snatched on the street by officers and taken to an undisclosed location. The children were said by one of their fathers to have been visibly panicked by the surprise arrest. The two have most likely been taken to a police station such as that in Salah al-Din Street of East Jerusalem.
http://silwanic.net/?p=22363
Israeli Government Starts Huge Silwan Tax Collection Campaign
On Tuesday the Israeli Jerusalem Municipality began a widespread campaign in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan designed to collect outstanding property and income taxes, a move Palestinians have denounced as "a campaign of revenge."
Fakhri Abu Diyab, a member of the Committee to Defend Silwan, described told Palestinian government news wire Wafa that the tax collectors had been accompanied by Israeli soldiers and police officers who closed the entrances to Silwan with military checkpoints and issued high-priced tickets to outgoing vehicles.
"If they find someone with debt to the Israeli government, they will check his car and find any way to punish him," Abu Diyab told PNN. "Even if he doesn't owe a debt, they will punish him by detaining him for a few hours. It's part of a plan to humiliate Arab Jerusalemites and strangle them economically."
Abu Diyab said that the timing of the campaign was not coincidental: it comes as Israel continues to evacuate Palestinians from their houses to make room for Israeli settlers. He said the tax collection campaign was an operation to keep the citizens distracted.
Abu Diyab warned that Silwan specifically and Jerusalem generally would be targeted by the Israeli government in the next few days and asked citizens to pay careful attention.
http://fwd4.me/0hGz 15 jan 2012, 22:18 , Respect -
Maria 15 jan 2012, 22:18 , Respect -
Maria 26 nov 2011
The Israeli settlement groups of East Jerusalem are hard at work to establish their “Jewish ring” around Silwan and the Old City
Settler guard squad in one of Silwan’s alleyways
Silwan, Jerusalem (SILWANIC) -- The Israeli settlement groups of East Jerusalem are hard at work to establish their “Jewish ring” around Silwan and the Old City of Jerusalem in a bid to establish the “biblical basin” of the region. The plan involves the Judaization of the Old City, making its Palestinian residents a minority.
The Israeli police serve as the “muscle” in implenting these plans: the unwarranted arrest of countless Palestinian children; physical assault of residents and close collusion with settlers’ personal guard squads. Guards commonly file false complaints and testimonials against local Palestinian residents, providing police with a pretext to carry out further arrests and intimidation.
The most recent such attack took place on November 22, with 15-year old Muhammad Raid Siyam was taken by Israeli forces after settler guards accused him of tampering with one of the vast number of settler surveillance cameras that form a network throughout Wadi Hilweh district of Silwan.
On the same day, two 11-year old children were taken by Israeli police on their way home from school.
Undercover agents arrest children in Silwan
Arrested children that the authorities cannot successfully imprison are exiled to house arrest sentences outside their home neighborhoods. All residents young and old, however, suffer the collective punishment of the Israeli network of temporary checkpoints, home demolitions, and the arbitrary issuing of traffic fines.
Bodies that support the settler movement in Silwan make no secret of their intention to evict the village’s original residents and establish a Jewish majority. Racist laws such as the 1950 Absentee Property Law are employed extensively to formerly deny Palestinian residents’ ownership of their land and property and reacquisition it.
The law also denies the rightful inheritors of land to claim their property if the original owners, forced to abandon their homes in 1948 or 1967, now reside in Jordan – despite the fact that Israel has signed a peace treaty with Jordan.
Eviction of families has recommenced in earnest in recent times. The Sumrain family has issued an eviction order several weeks ago, while the Abu Diyab family has also received an order. Authorities, with the aid of collaborators and property brokers, have attempted to evict the Siyam family home.
http://silwanic.net/?p=22367
Child abducted from Wadi Hilweh
Fifteen-year old Muhammad Siyam was abducted by Israeli forces under suspicion of tampering with a settler surveillance camera. A witness stated that Siyam’s home was surrounded by a squad of Israeli settler guards, and the arrest then carried out by Israeli armed forces.
This arrest is not the first to have occured with close coordination between settler guards and Israeli armed forces, with guards seemingly wielding the same authority as police.
The settlers’ network of surveillance cameras throughout Wadi Hilweh have all but removed what is left of Palestinian residents’ privacy.
http://silwanic.net/?p=22361 15 jan 2012, 22:19 , Respect -
Maria 27 nov 2011
Adnan Ghaith summoned for investigation again
Silwan, Jerusalem (SILWANIC) -- Silwan secretary-general of Fatah Adnan Ghaith was summoned for investigation by Israeli police on 24 November, in Oz police station on Al-Moqaber.
Ghaith was interrogated about his activities and correspondences during his 8 months of exile from Jerusalem this year, which he spent in Ramallah. He was also threatened by interrogators to cease all political work, lest he be punished again.
http://silwanic.net/?p=22394
Activists protest outside City of David settlement against Sumrain eviction
Silwan, Jerusalem (SILWANIC) -- Local residents and international solidarity activists protested outside the archaeological tourism settlement City of David in Wadi Hilweh on Friday, 25 November, against the Israeli authorities’ decision to evict the local Sumrain family.
Protesters chose the site on the basis that it is the City of David project that will directly benefit from the eviction of the Sumrain family through acquisition of the strategic property.
Protesters called on Israeli governmental institutions to stop their support for the settlers. The protest, attending by a huge crowd, was covered by media and met by several dozen Israeli special forces, who stood guard outside the City of David complex.
Several dozen settlers, joined by Israeli police, also stood outside the settlement and heckled the protesters, including use of several racial slurs.
http://silwanic.net/?p=22391
Residents stage Friday prayer outside threatened Sumrain house
Silwan, Jerusalem (SILWANIC) -- A public prayer was held on Friday, 25 November outside the threatened ’s house in Wadi Hilweh. Authorities issued an eviction notice to the family several weeks ago.
Dozens of Silwan residents flocked to the Sumrain home for the Friday prayer in an expression of solidarity with the family and rejection of the settler agenda in Silwan. Those attending expressed support for the Sumrains’ long legal battle with Israeli authorities attempting to evict them, and the multitude of fines they have been ordered to pay in an attempt to pressure them out.
The speaker leading the prayer spoke out against the illegality of the settlements in general, and the City of David archaeological tourism settlement in Wadi Hilweh in particular.
http://silwanic.net/?p=22388
15 jan 2012, 22:19 , Respect -
Maria 3 dec 2011
Violent officer accuses four Wadi Hilweh residents of assault
The Jerusalem Magistrates Court released the names of four Wadi Hilweh residents due to attend a hearing session on 4 January 2012.
1- Sameer Rwadi,
2- Nihad Siyam,
3- Mahmoud Sumrain and
4- Fawzi Shwaki
are accused of allegedly impeding a police officer’s course of duty and assaulting him while the Israeli government were installing new traffic signs on Wadi Hilweh Street in Silwan some two and a half years ago.
The police officer, Basim Nati, is notorious in Silwan for his violent attitude towards Palestinians. The four accused men have denied all charges.
http://silwanic.net/?p=23476
Confrontations flare in Bir Ayyub as huge number of troops raid
Clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli troops in Bir Ayyub on 3 December. Troops fired many rounds of tear gas at demonstrators in the densely-built neighborhood, sparking panic and fear amongst residents.
http://silwanic.net/?p=22549 15 jan 2012, 22:19 , Respect -
Maria 8 dec 2011
Municipality demolishes homes in Beit Hanina
Jerusalem Municipality officers and Israeli troops demolished a Palestinian home in Al-Ashqareyeh neighborhood of Beit Hanina on December 5. The owners of the home, Al-Ashqareyeh family, were given no warning prior to the demolition, and all 6 family members are now without a home.
The home, which was built in 2006 covered 50 square meters, housed Majdi al-Salaymeh, his wife and four children, aged 5 to 10.
Two years ago the Municipality issued fines of 15,000 NIS (Why? Please include an explanation), then again a year later. Despite al-Salaymeh’s timely payment of the fines, the Municipality took the surprise decision to destroy his family home, and arrived with no prior announcement on 5 December, accompanied by a huge force of Israeli troops.
Majdi, who was at work when troops arrived, received a panic-stricken call from his wife when troops surrounded the house and began removing their furniture. When he arrived, he asked the commanding officer to show him the demolition order, but was ignored.
Neighbors and media were prevented by troops from approaching the demolition area.
http://silwanic.net/?p=22546
Municipality demolishes Palestinian home in Wadi Yasoul
Jerusalem Municipality officers and armed Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian home in Wadi Yasoul district of Silwan on 5 December. The home, belonging to Haroon Burqan, was built 15 years ago by Burqan for him and his family on their land, and prior to destruction had house 8 people.
The house consisted to two rooms, constructed from metal columns and wooden boards, covering 150 square metres. Burqan had been forced to demolish part of the house already due to a court order last year. He was then astonished by the dramatic arrival of Israeli forces and Municipality bulldozers intent on demolishing his home this week.
Israeli troops overseeing the demolition also destroyed several barns on his property that housed his animals. Several livestock died in the demolition, as troops gave the family no opportunity help their animals out beforehand.
Jawad Siyam of the Wadi Hilweh Information Center states that “Wadi Yasoul is as equally targeted a neighborhood as Al-Bustan and Wadi Hilweh. Authorities refuse residents construction permits and maintain a draconian system of fines and fees for housing. It forms part of a greater scheme to ultimately connect the settlements on Al-Maqaber hill and the settlements in Silwan.”
http://silwanic.net/?p=22541
Palestinian man demolishes own house to avoid government fines
Silwan resident Osama al-Shweiki of Althury neighborhood demolished his own home on 5 December. Shweiki demolished the 96 square meter house, which he built himself in 2005, to avoid being charged heavy fines by the Jerusalem Municipality for demolition.
Shweiki built the house after becoming fed up with the cost of renting. The house was raided by the Municipality after being built, and Shweiki was ordered to pay Municipality fines for the so called “ illegal construction” over six years to an estimated total of 96,000 NIS. Despite this, the Israeli courts ultimately ruled that the house was illegal and must be demolished.
The case of the Shweiki house is a common example of the Jerusalem Municipality’s attempts to limit Palestinian residential space, with construction licenses granted to Palestinian residents only in exceptional cases. New residential units for Israeli settlers, however, continue to appear throughout Jerusalem, often on Palestinian land.
http://silwanic.net/?p=22537
Tension escalating in Baten al-Hawa
Israeli troops raided Baten al-Hawa neighborhood of Silwan last Thursday, 1 December, when a youth threw a Molotov cocktail at Beit Yonatan settlement. Vast numbers of Israeli troops swarmed throughout Silwan, triggering violent confrontation.
http://silwanic.net/?p=22544
Seventeen settler families move into new Ras al-Amoud settlement
Seventeen Israeli settler families moved into a settlement in the Palestinian neighborhood of Ras al-Amoud in Silwan today, 8 December.
The building, formerly an Israeli, then Jordanian police station, is claimed by Israeli police to now belong to the Bukharist political party. Police made a deal with settlers allowing them to take the building provided they be prepared to leave it at a later date if Israeli police require it for its original purposes.
The main Israeli police station in East Jerusalem is currently under construction next to Ma’ali Adomim settlement.
The new deal provides yet another example of insitutional support to the Israeli settler movement in East Jerusalem.
http://silwanic.net/?p=22566 15 jan 2012, 22:20 , Respect -
Maria 9 dec 2011
Israeli forces kindnapped a child in Bustan
Israeli forces kidnapped the child Bassel Hamzeh Shalody 12 years from Al-Bustan neighborhood in Silwan
http://silwanic.net/?p=22582
Heavy buildup of Israeli forces in Silwan
A huge number of Israeli forces stormed Silwan on Wednesday night, 7 December. Troops were deployed on foot throughout the region, particularly in Al-Bustan, Wadi Hilweh, Bir Ayyub and Wadi Rababa neighborhoods, Al-Ein Street and around settlement blocs. The move came as a surprise, given the quiet that pervaded the district on Wednesday.
Palestinian residents feared that such a deployment was part of preparations for a wide series of raids in Silwan, as has occured often in the past.
http://flotilla.hyves.nl/minibuzz/
Wadi Hilweh under attack
Israeli authorities have escalated their push to take over the Palestinian neighborhood of Wadi Hilweh in Silwan in recent weeks.
Two families have been issued eviction orders, while local children have been abducted by Israeli forces from the local playground that was built by residents of Wadi Hilweh. The land on which the playground was constructed is coveted by the Municipality for conversion to a carpark to service the City of David settlement, but the landlord has so far resisted attempts to appropriate the property.
Municipality officers and armed troops conducted a neighborhood sweep this week, confiscating the iconic “I Love You Silwan” flags that adorn many homes and the color wire lamps used for fest celebartions
Such acts serve only to frustrate residents and further complicate their lives.
Two representatives of the settlement association ELAD accompanied Municipality officers and troops, taking any opportunity to provoke Palestinian residents. One representative compared a local resident to a cat lying on the side of the road, who had been run over by an Israeli settler guard.
Arguments erupted when several residents demanded that Municipal officers remove Israeli flags and logos from settler homes in return, a request refused by officers. One Municipality employee stated that “this is a Jewish area now, and we can do whatever we like here.”
http://silwanic.net/?p=22558 15 jan 2012, 22:21 , Respect -
Maria 9 dec 2011
Family of six homeless in Wadi Hilweh after court-ordered eviction
The Hajoo family of Wadi Hilweh were evicted by Israeli authorities from the house they were renting on Wednesday, 7 December. All six members of the Hajoo family are now homeless, and are sleeping on the street outside their house. An Israeli court order issued six weeks ago ordered the eviction, and saw the keys to the property confiscated and handed over to the Court’s treasury.
The house was emptied of its contents as legal representatives of the Municipality and the family looked on. Locks to the house and garage were replaced by a locksmith contracted by Loyal Investment Company, the Israeli body that owns the company and is considered a powerful ally of the settler movement.
The Hajoo family contracted a locksmith to carry out the job as well, but was denied access to the property.
The Hajoo family are now sleeping on the street outside their house, including their 6 year old son who suffers from a heart disease, and is dependent on medical technology to assist in breathing and urination.
The next court hearing will take place on 18 January 2012 to appeal the eviction order.
http://silwanic.net/?p=22552 15 jan 2012, 22:21 , Respect -
Maria 11 dec 2011
Local youth and Israeli soldiers injured; six youth arrested
Israeli forces arrested 6 Palestinian youth between 14 and 20 years of age during a clash between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers near Damascus Gate on Sunday, 11 December.
Several women and children were also assaulted by Israeli forces, leaving two women and one child with head injuries. Eyewitnesses state that 4 Israeli troops also sustained bruises.
Witnesses claim that clashes were sparked when a soldier assaulted a 12-year old Palestinian child in Sultan Sulaiman Street in East Jerusalem. When local youths attempted to intervene, fights erupted between them and Israeli soldiers.
The violence escalated when backup troops arrived, who started beating youths and passers-by with batons. Three Palestinian residents sustained head injures as a result.
http://silwanic.net/?p=22814
- 27 oct 2011
Israeli forces storm Silwan, house raided
A large number of Israeli forces stormed Silwan this morning, closing all entrances to Al-Hara al-Wasta neighborhood. Journalists were denied entry to the besieged area by troops.
The operation was conducted in coordination with intelligence units and the regular army, which usually operates only outside of Jerusalem, in accordance with civil law enforcement codes in the district.
The family home of Kifah Sarhan was raided by Israeli forces, who searched the house extensively. Personal documents, CDs, a computer and 20 NIS that Sarhan had received in compensation from the YMCA as a former worker were all confiscated.
While some stones were thrown at Israeli forces during the raid campaign, the atmosphere remained tense but did not develop into violent confrontations. Troops withdrew from the region after three hours.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21526
Youth’s detention extended by court
The detention of Faris al-Zeer was extended by the Magistrates Court yesterday until 6 November 2011. Zeer, 22, was arrested 5 months ago and is accused of throwing stones in Silwan.
Despite Zeer’s proof of innocence, Israeli authorities have persisted in lodging accusations against him. Zeer has presented many witnesses and video recordings proving, however, that he was not at the site of confrontations at the times claimed by authorities.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21528 15 jan 2012, 22:06 , Respect -
Maria 28 oct 2011
Eight arrested in Tsur Baher raid
Israeli police, border guards and intelligence agents raided a home in Tsur Baher early Thursday morning, 27 October. Eight men were arrested in the raid on the home of the Attoon and Bkeerat families in the village just south of Jerusalem. They are currently being held at the Russian Compound.
Family head Abu Ahmad Attoon told Silwanic that a huge number of Israeli forces stormed the house and arrested 7 members of his family:
1 Ahmad Attoon Eyad (38),
2 Ra’ed (36),
3 Wa’el Mousa Attoon (43),
4 Mousa Ahmad Attoon (21),
5 his brother Luqman (19),
6 Suhaib Ali Attoon (38)
7 Ezz al-Dien Mahmoud Attoon (17).
8 Essam Bkeerat was also arrested.
The 8 were taken to the Russian Compound in west Jerusalem.
Attoon commented that the raid had been conducted only a few short days after celebrations had swept the village, in honour of those prisoners returned home as part of the Israel-Hamas prisoner swap agreement. A long shadow has been cast over such bonhomie, in light of this new sweep of arrests.
The Jerusalem Prisoners Committee and the families of the returned prisoners have condemned the arrests as a disgraceful attempt to sour a rare moment of celebration for the Palestinian people.
The Attoon family’s experience has been particularly bitter-sweet, as Ahmad Attoon’s brother, Legislative Parliament member Mahmoud Ahmad Attoon, was amongst those free as part of the swap deal. Mahmoud had served 19 years in jail under his life sentence.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21626 15 jan 2012, 22:07 , Respect -
Maria 29 oct 2011
Elad demands apology from Arabic newspaper
(7:47) city of david Settlement 2 x viewed
Video shows the abduction of Mahmoud al-Khaseeb
Settler association Elad has demanded an apology from Arabic daily The Jerusalem News for its reporting on Elad head David Biery’s abduction of 10-year old Silwan resident Mahmoud al-Khaseeb. Khaseeb was taken by Biery, assaulted by an Arab man and delivered to Israeli forces. Video evidence exists of the event.
Khaseeb told Silwanic that “Biery gripped my hand very tight – my hand which was broken in the past – and although I asked him to stop he kept doing it. An Arab man nearby then slapped my face and yelled at me. Biery then took me to the police, who kept me in their van for a long time.”
http://silwanic.net/?p=21631
released prisoners delegation visits sacred sites in Old City
Silwan, Jerusalem (SILWANIC) -- A delegation representing those prisoners from Jerusalem released as part of the Israel-Hamas prisoner swap agreement visited the tomb of Faisal al-Husaini today in the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Mosque. The delegation was accompanied by many residents of Jerusalem.
The delegation then walked to Lions Gate of the Old City, where they placed wreaths of flowers at the martyrs’ monument.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21635
Authorities block Silwanic photographer from Al-Aqsa
Silwanic photographer Ahmad Siyam was prevented by Israeli forces from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound yesterday, Thursday 27 October. Officers cited security reasons for the ban.
Siyam was on an assignment documenting the delegation of released prisoners visiting the tomb of Faisal al-Husaini. When he attempted to enter the compound from another gate he was denied entry again by police.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21655 15 jan 2012, 22:07 , Respect -
Maria 30 oct 2011
Extremist group targets released prisoners
Photo from the extremist group of released prisoners with the caption “Look out! The danger of terrorists in our city”
Prisoners returned home to Jerusalem as part of the Israel-Hamas prisoner swap agreement have been targeted by an unnamed Israeli extremist group.
The group has placed the freed prisoners under highly invasive surveillance in order to gather intelligence for the Israeli security apparatus. The group claims to “defend the lives of Israelis and Jews”, using a network of private detectives to track the prisoners’ moves and activities. Information gathered is then published to the Israeli media.
Aryaih King, a key figure of the network, has in the past called for complete “Judaization” of Palestinian East Jerusalem. King, active in the settler movement of Jerusalem and personally responsible for numerous eviction orders of Palestinian homes, advocates the monitoring of the liberated prisoners and to make their daily lives difficult, claiming that the Israeli public needs to be informed of their activities in the interests of “protecting Jewish lives from these terrorists”. Maps have been uploaded to the group’s Facebook page showing the residences of the released prisoners.
One of the released prisoners told Silwanic that “we have submitted a complaint to Facebook and are awaiting a response from their management. Facebook has banned many pro-Palestine groups on its website as a result of pressure from Israeli lobby groups, supposedly in the interest of security. Our lives are endangered by the existence of such groups operating on Facebook, however – surely the website will be forced to take action.”
http://silwanic.net/?p=21696 15 jan 2012, 22:08 , Respect -
Maria 1 nov 2011
Eliminate Arabic as an official language, says draft law
Livny
A draft law has been proposed by former Shabak head and Kadima party member Avi Dakhtir that would see the elimination of Arabic as an official language of Israel, leaving Judaism as the sole identity officially recognized by the state, and an alteration to the constitution that grants construction permits only to those of Jewish heritage. The draft law has already been signed by one-third of Knesset members, including members of Dakhtir’s Kadima party, headed by opposition leader Tsipi Livni.
The law stands amongst many to be discussed by MKs adjourning again after summer vacation. The coming winter is expected to be defined by a number of hot debates within the Knesset, notably new laws aimed at limiting minority rights for Muslims and Christians.
While this and other proposed laws have come under attack by human rights organizations, the international community is yet to break its silence. Palestinians face serious institutional and cultural prejudice, despite constituting 19% of Israel’s population – not including the 280-300,000 Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem, who enjoy no right to elect Knesset Members.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21739
Campaign of arrests continues
A huge force of military and intelligence officers raided several districts of Silwan on Sunday, 30 October. Four people were arrested, one of whom had only been arrested and released the previous week. Details to follow.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21742
Molotov cocktail thrown at soldier in Baten al-Hawa
Eyewitnesses report that a Molotov cocktail was thrown at an Israeli troop walking in Baten al-Hawa neighborhood in Silwan on the evening of Sunday, 30 October. No further information is known about potential injuries or clashes.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21744
Confrontations sparked in Bir Ayyub
Clashes were sparked in Bir Ayyub district of Silwan on the evening of Sunday, 30 October when an Israeli military jeep provoked local residents. Confrontations continued into the night.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21746 15 jan 2012, 22:08 , Respect -
Maria 2 nov 2011
ACRI petitions High Court: Deployment of Private Security Guards by Housing Ministry in East Jerusalem is Unlawful
Written by ACRI:
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel and Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem petitioned the High Court of Justice on October 31, demanding an end to the operation of private security guards deployed through the Ministry of Housing and Construction to protect Jewish residential compounds in East Jerusalem.
Through privatizing core policing responsibilities, the authorities have violated the basic rights of Palestinians, endangering life and limb. (HJC 8001/11; excerpts in English here) Stationed in neighborhoods such as Silwan and the Old City, 350 private security guards, financed by Israeli taxpayers, are charged with protecting some 2,000 Jewish Israeli settlers. The armed guards carry out daily policing duties such as patrols and guard watch in predominantly Palestinian neighborhoods, without proper supervision and guidelines.
In September 2010, Silwan resident Samer Sarhan was shot and killed by a security guard, and in other cases Palestinian passersby have suffered gunshot wounds. The guards’ stated mission is to protect Jewish residents from Arab residents, in contradiction of both Israeli and international law, which obligate the Israeli authorities to protect all residents.
Over the past twenty years, the rise in numbers of settlers and compounds has increased the budget provided by the Housing Ministry from 7 million NIS in 1991 to 76 million NIS in 2011. Throughout this period, the Modi’in Ezrachi private security company has won the relevant Housing Ministry bids to carry out this operation.
A public committee to examine this policy, convened by former Housing Minister Isaac Herzog and under the direction of Major General (res.) Ori Orr, made the unequivocal recommendation in 2006 that responsibility for the security of these areas should be returned to the Ministry of Internal Security and to the Israel Police. Yet shortly thereafter the government adopted an opposite resolution, preserving the status quo, which stands in violation to several rights and laws, including: Unlawful Privatization of Policing Duties:
The Israel Police have abdicated their role in East Jerusalem as the exclusive authority charged with protecting all residents. Security guards are private citizens who are not civil servants and therefore are not obligated to follow the same norms of equality and due justice. Disregard for Palestinians’ Rights:
The authorities have time and again failed to take into consideration the rights of Palestinian Jerusalemites – who are the overwhelming majority of residents in these areas of the city – and have secluded them from the decision-making process, thus placing the rights and interests of settlers above those of the local Palestinians. The daily presence of the guards in these crowded neighborhoods infringes, among other things, on the freedom of movement of Palestinians (through the closure of streets) and on their right to privacy (violated by security cameras looking into their private domains). Insufficient Supervision and Ambiguous Norms:
The private security guards are authorized to use ammunition and apply physical violence under defined circumstances, in order to protect Jewish residents and their visitors. Their operations are overseen by the Israel Police, but since they are not part of the police force this supervision is severely lacking. The private guards’ norms of conduct are vague and unknown to the local population. It is unclear who is in charge of receiving complaints against them and what measures can be taken, and although the law requires security guards to wear name tags to guarantee accountability, this requirement is overlooked. To date, no security guard operating in East Jerusalem was put on trial. Lack of Legal Basis:
In the petition, ACRI shows that prior to 2007 no legal basis was formed to support the delegation of policing duties in East Jerusalem to private security guards. Government resolution No. 1073, which was passed in January 2007, created a legal basis, but it too is incomplete, because although this form of resolution must be presented by the government to the Knesset, this never happened.
Throughout the years, various officials have questioned this policy. In 2010, Housing Minister Ariel Atias sent a letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu, stating that in his opinion the responsibility for security in the area “must be under the professional body in charge of this issue, i.e. the Israel Police,” and not in the hands of the Housing Ministry, a body that is professionally not equipped to deal with security matters.
ACRI Attorney Keren Tzafrir, who wrote the petition, said today: “The state has failed to protect the Palestinian residents of Jerusalem, and is instead clearly and unlawfully favoring the protection of settlers who have taken up residency there.
ACRI has turned to the Ministries of Housing and Internal Security, as well as to the Prime Minister, demanding change, but what has become clear is that none of the official bodies have taken full responsibility for the work of the private security guards deployed through the Housing Ministry in East Jerusalem”.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21751 15 jan 2012, 22:10 , Respect -
Maria 3 nov 2011
Two youth arrested, another detained
Israeli forces arrested two young teens and detained a third on Thursday, 3 November in the district Al-Ein, Silwan.
1- Hamza Jawad Jaber, 14, was accused of throwing stones at Israeli forces.
2- Muhammad Mahmoud Shwayat, 17, was arrested the same day.
3- Jaber’s 13-year old brother Fareed was also detained and taken for interrogation.
Fareed’s father, present at the interrogation as his guardian, was assaulted by investigators and forced to leave the room. Investigators accused Fareed father of attempting to speak with his son. The father later told Silwanic that “the interrogators’ merely wanted to be alone with my son, to exert pressure on him more easily.”
This is a common occurrence in interrogation of Palestinian minors, wherein parents or guardians are ejected from the investigation room by officers, who claim that the guardian is disrupting investigation.
Shwayat appeared in court the same day, and was sentenced to house arrest outside Silwan in Shuafat Camp. He is not permitted to return to Silwan until the sentence is over.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21820
Youth arrested in Bir Ayyub
Haitham Quadir, 20, was arrested by Israeli forces in Bir Ayyub district of Silwan on Thursday, 3 November.
On-lookers attempted to inform Israeli troops that Quadir suffers from multiple health issues and that they should reconsider the arrest, a request ignored by troops.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21823 15 jan 2012, 22:10 , Respect -
Maria 4 nov 2011
Israeli forces and Nature Authority raid playground, arrest one
The Israeli Nature Authority, accompanied by military forces, stormed a children’s playground in Wadi Hilweh district of Silwan on Monday afternoon, 31 October.
One youth, Khalid al-Zeer, was arrested. The playground was constructed this month by residents, seeking an outlet for their children in the heavily militarized neighborhood.
The raid took place with no prior warning, and no warrant to enter the private land. The playground has become a target of the Jerusalem Municipality since its construction, who seeks to confiscate the land for conversion to parking lots to service the settlement tourist City of David site.
Israeli forces remained present in the area for several hours thereafter, behaving in a provocative manner towards local residents.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21775 15 jan 2012, 22:11 , Respect -
Maria 4 nov 2011
Israeli authorities intend to commence Al-Bustan demolitions
Silwanic has learnt that Israeli authorities intend to commence their heavily-criticised program of demolition in Al-Bustan neighborhood of Silwan in the coming weeks. Authorities seek to clear vast swathes of Palestinian homes and property to make way for a “biblical garden” as part of the City of David settlement project.
The Jerusalem Municipality has been trying to market the biblical park project since 2005, promoting Al-Bustan as the original site of King Solomon’s park. “Al-Bustan”, which can be translated as “the garden” in Arabic, has been cited as conclusive evidence. Palestinian residents of Al-Bustan, however, state that the Arabic word has several meanings, and cannot be corrupted to the Municipality’s ends.
The history of Al-Bustan’s name is tied to the greenness of the land on which the area was built, thanks to its source of fresh water the remain throughout the year. Al-Bustan was historically known as the food basket of Jerusalem. Experts state that the concept of “park” – a small cultivated area – is incompatible with the true meaning of “Bustan”.
Prior to the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967, few houses were built in the Al-Bustan area. But more land was annexed by the state – 73,000 dunums to the east and several hundred to the south-west of Silwan. The population densified, and increased – while in 1967 Silwan had 13,000 inhabitants, today it numbers at 55,000, none of whom can now apply to the Municipality for a construction permit.
Mousa Audeh, a member of the Al-Bustan Popular Committee, stated that “the Israeli Authority claims that Al-Bustan was the garden of King Solomon, and that the prophet David lived in Wadi Hilweh – and somehow this justifies the demolition of our homes? But it’s easy to see that the Municipality, together with the settler groups, demolish homes freely – in the name of the prophets, as if God almighty grants property contracts only to them!”
Silwanic has learnt that Israeli authorities intend to commence their heavily-criticised program of demolition in Al-Bustan neighborhood of Silwan in the coming weeks. Authorities seek to clear vast swathes of Palestinian homes and property to make way for a “biblical garden” as part of the City of David settlement project.
The Jerusalem Municipality has been trying to market the biblical park project since 2005, promoting Al-Bustan as the original site of King Solomon’s park. “Al-Bustan”, which can be translated as “the garden” in Arabic, has been cited as conclusive evidence. Palestinian residents of Al-Bustan, however, state that the Arabic word has several meanings, and cannot be corrupted to the Municipality’s ends.
The history of Al-Bustan’s name is tied to the greenness of the land on which the area was built, thanks to its source of fresh water the remain throughout the year. Al-Bustan was historically known as the food basket of Jerusalem. Experts state that the concept of “park” – a small cultivated area – is incompatible with the true meaning of “Bustan”.
Prior to the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967, few houses were built in the Al-Bustan area. But more land was annexed by the state – 73,000 dunums to the east and several hundred to the south-west of Silwan. The population densified, and increased – while in 1967 Silwan had 13,000 inhabitants, today it numbers at 55,000, none of whom can now apply to the Municipality for a construction permit.
Mousa Audeh, a member of the Al-Bustan Popular Committee, stated that “the Israeli Authority claims that Al-Bustan was the garden of King Solomon, and that the prophet David lived in Wadi Hilweh – and somehow this justifies the demolition of our homes? But it’s easy to see that the Municipality, together with the settler groups, demolish homes freely – in the name of the prophets, as if God almighty grants property contracts only to them!”
http://silwanic.net/?p=21771
Alternative Information Center academic arrested
Alternative Information Center academic and activist Yakub Abu Assab was arrested in a night raid on his home by Israeli forces on Friday morning, 4 November.
Forces stormed his home at 2am on Friday, arresting Assab. In addition to his work with the AIC, Assab serves as a member of the National Committee for Resisting Exile. He has been targeted for arrest many times by Israeli forces over the past seven years, and is now accused by Israeli officials of being an Islamic labor leader in Jerusalem.
Many such figures have been arrested in the wake of the Israel-Hamas prisoner swap agreement.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21818
Demolition orders issued, military raids
Bustan
Jerusalem Municipality officers, accompanied by armed forces, canvassed Silwan on Sunday, 30 October morning to deliver vast numbers of demolition orders to Palestinian families and store-owners in the village.
A military raid of the village was staged immediately thereafter.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21773
Israeli Authorities arrest four youth in dawn raid
Israeli troops arrested four youth from Silwan village early in the morning of Sunday, 30 October.
1- Abed al-Kareem Shukhi (14) was taken from Al-Hara al-Wasta neighborhood for the second time in one week.
2- Anas al-Abbasi (19),
3- Anas al-Qaq (17)
4- and one as yet unidentified youth were also taken.
The Magistrates Court extended the detention of al-Abbasi, while al-Kareem was ordered released to a house arrest sentence on a bail of 1,000 NIS. The family refused to pay the bail, citing near-bankruptcy. Al-Kareem faced the same charges in this most recent court appearance as his previous one.
The al-Shukhi family is a family commonly targeted by Israeli authorities in Silwan. One family member is currently held in prison in Israel, and all members of the family have been arrested multiple times, including the mother. She told Silwanic that “I only work so that we can pay lawyers’ fees and bails, but my salary is still not enough. I grieve for our family – we can’t pay 1,000 shekels to bring our son home.”
http://silwanic.net/?p=21769 15 jan 2012, 22:12 , Respect -
Maria 15 jan 2012, 22:12 , Respect -
Maria 15 jan 2012, 22:13 , Respect -
Maria 10 nov 2011
Settler threatens resident with gun in Ras al-Amoud
Eyewitnesses report seeing an Israeli settler point a gun at a Palestinian resident in Ras al-Amoud district of Silwan on Friday night, 10 November.
The incident followed confrontations between Palestinian residents and Israeli forces in Al-Hara al-Wasta district, which lies next to Ras al-Amoud. The settler involved was not questioned or charged by police.
Settler violence has long been an unfortunate fact of life for Palestinian inhabitants of Silwan. Last year
-- Samer Sarhan, 36, was shot dead by a settler guard, and this year
-- Milad Ayyash, 16, met the same fate.
-- Many others have been grievously injured, including --Mazen Audeh, 23, who was shot in the leg by a settler;
-- Ameer Froukh, 13, shot; and
-- Ahmad Qaraeen, 39, who was shot in both legs with an M-16 rifle by a settler on leave from his military service.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21998 15 jan 2012, 22:13 , Respect -
Maria 12 nov 2011
Confrontations throughout Silwan, one arrested
Tear gas canisters fired without provocation in the neighborhood
Clashes erupted in Bir Ayyub district of Silwan on Saturday night, 12 November, when Israeli forces provoked confrontations with local residents. Clashes quickly spread to other neighborhoods, with Israeli forces firing tear gas and rubber bullets on residents.
A 16-year old boy, Mahmoud Atyeh, was arrested and beaten by Israeli officers.
Eyewitnesses state that violence erupted when a number of Israeli forces chased a group of local youth who had been standing in the street.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21992
Violent clashes following Israeli violent raid on Silwan
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (PIC)-- Violent clashes erupted Friday evening in Silwan district between Jerusalemite young men and Israeli soldiers after the latter kidnapped young man Hamed Jaber from his home in the area.
Local sources said the mother of Jaber sustained shrapnel injuries in her leg when an Israeli soldier threw a stun grenade inside her house.
In a separate incident, the Hebrew radio claimed that two Israeli settlers' cars were attacked with Molotov cocktails near Ariel settlement north of Salfit city, and noted that the attack did no cause any injuries or damage to the vehicles.
http://fwd4.me/0gct 15 jan 2012, 22:14 , Respect -
Maria 13 nov 2011
Clashes Reported In Silwan
Palestinian sources reported that clashes took place on Saturday at night between dozens of Palestinians and Israeli soldiers after the army invaded Silwan town, south of the Al Aqsa Mosque, in occupied East Jerusalem.
The sources said that soldiers kidnapped one resident identified as Mahmoud Atiyya, 20, in Be’er Ayyoub neighborhood in Silwan, and took him to an unknown destination.
The soldiers fired gas bombs and concussion grenades at the protestors, also hitting a number of homes in the area, while local youths responded by hurling stones and empty bottles; no injuries were reported until the time of this report.
http://www.imemc.org/article/62497
Palestinian Family In Silwan Served Eviction Order
The Wadi Hilweh Information Center in Silwan, in occupied East Jerusalem, reported that a Palestinian family in Silwan town was served an eviction order issued by the Jerusalem municipality with the intent to replace them with Jewish settlers.
The center stated that the family was ordered to leave their home by November 28th.
The family filed several appeals at the Israeli District Court, and the High Court, since the early 1990’s after the El Ad fundamentalist settler organization occupied a land that belongs to the family.
Israel claims that the home in question belongs to “Lord Rochelle” since dozens of years ago, and that should it become clear that the Rochelle family does not own the property, Israel will still confiscate it under the so-called “Absentee Property Law”.
In both cases the Palestinian family is left in homeless despite the fact that it historically owned and inhibited the property, the Center said.
Silwan, as well as other parts and neighborhoods in occupied East Jerusalem, is subject to repeated Israeli violations and attacks carried out by extremist settler organizations who seek to control all Arab homes in the occupied city.
http://fwd4.me/0ghS 15 jan 2012, 22:14 , Respect -
Maria 14 nov 2011
Jerusalem Municipality determined to build biblical park in Al-Bustan
Settler housing units in Ras al-Amoud district
The Jerusalem Municipality counselor has requested the District Organization Committee to speed up its implementation of the planned “King’s Park” scheme for Al-Bustan. The order comes despite the left-wing Meretz faction of Jerusalem Municipality coalition’s agreement with conservative city mayor Nir Barakat to freeze construction plans.
The King’s Park plan encompasses the construction of “biblical gardens” over vast tracts of Palestinian neighborhood Al-Bustan in Silwan, where many of the houses have been scheduled for demolition by the Municipality.
Meretz has stated that its members feel deceived by Barakat’s promises, including a statement from the mayor that there would be no home demolitions in Al-Bustan “unless the residents approve it.”
The Municipality has claimed that 88 houses in Al-Bustan are illegal under Israeli law due to the fact that they were built without permits. Many of the houses were constructed before the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967 and permits were required.
A Palestinian home occupied by settlers and since constructed over to include an additional 165 sq meters, without regulation
The population of Silwan has exploded since 1967, from approximately 13,000 (covering 12 times the land Palestinians now possess, after much was annexed by the Israeli state) to 55,000. Families have needed to expand their homes and build new ones in order to house all inhabitants. 350 Israeli settlers also live in Silwan, using 35% of the land.
Silwan’s residents view the King’s Park project as an expansion of the City of David settlement in Wadi Hilweh, in order to serve the settler agenda in the region. Settlers in Silwan hope to achieve a Jewish majority in the district.
The Jerusalem Municipality provide full support to the Elad-run City of David project, and as a rule turn a blind eye to their illegal construction and appropriation of land.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21980