- 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
- 8 oct 2011
Morning arrests in Silwan
Brothers Mansour and Musa’ab Shyoukhi were arrested by Israeli forces for unknown reasons on Monday, 3 October. Mansour was reported to have been beaten by settlers prior to arrest.
20-year old Mansour was attacked by settlers on the evening of Tuesday, 2 October, as he walked home on Cemetery Street near the Old City’s Golden Gate to his house in Al-Hara al-Wasta neighborhood. Mansour would later tell relatives that the attack was so violent that he didn’t believe he would survive.
Several hours later in the early morning of Monday, Israeli forces stormed the Shyoukhi family home and arrested Mansour on the pretext of throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at the nearby settlement. Forces returned later that day to arrest his 18-year old brother Musa’ab on identical charges.
The Shyoukhi family has suffered extensively at the hands of the Israeli authorities, having experienced multiple arrests and house raids. The mother of the family was also arrested several months ago.
The Shyoukhi family’s story will be published by Silwanic in the near future.
http://silwanic.net/?p=20877
Closure of Al-Turbeh Road for the second day
Israeli forces prevented Palestinian vehicles from driving on Al-Turbeh Road on Tuesday, 4 October for the second consecutive day. The road runs adjacent to Jethmanyiah and serves as the north-eastern entrance to Silwan. The road was the scene of a violent dawn attack of local Palestinian youth Mansour Shyoukhi the previous day, who was one of the many residents obliged to enter the village on foot when banned from driving through the entrance.
The road also lies in an area of tension heightened by Israeli settlers’ celebration of Jewish New Year, with hysterical celebrations continuing through the night and into the day. Israeli forces manning the road displayed a clear discrimination towards Palesitnian residents attempting to pass, whilst allowing Israeli settlers to pass freely.
http://silwanic.net/?p=20879
Antiquity Authority’s discover “cave” on Martyr Street
The Israeli Antiquities Authority claim to have discovered a cave on Maryr Street in Wadi Hilweh, named after resident Samer Sarhan who was killed there last September by an Israeli settler security guard.
The cave seems to be historically significant in the context of the Islamic era. Silwan is an area considered to be rich in archaeology, retaining traces of multiple ancient settlements that flourished here.
The first recorded human settlement of the Jerusalem area, known as Yaboos, had its core in where Silwan now lies some 5,000 years ago. The Egyptian, Persian, Besantian, Christian and Islamic civilizations followed, leaving their finger prints on the area. The most famous was the caliphate of Umayyad era, which is connected to the recent discoveries in Silwan.
Elad settlement association, which is spearheading the City of David archaeological settlement project in Wadi Hilweh, has attempted to relate such discoveries to the era of the Jewish king David to further the project’s advancement. Israeli archaeologists, however, have reached no consensus on the legitimacy of Elad’s claims, with no proof linking archaeological finds in Silwan to the biblical City of David.
For further information on Israeli archaeological activity in Silwan, visit www.alt-arch.org
http://silwanic.net/?p=20881
Build-up of military forces in Wadi Hilweh following stone-throwing
A heavy build-up of Israeli military personnel was witnessed in Wadi Hilweh district of Silwan on Wednesday, 5 October. The event follows the stoning of an Israeli settler’s car by Palestinian youth. An eye witness reported that the car’s windows were broken as it entered the settlement bloc Beit Dawood Hussein on Wadi Hilweh Street. An Israeli ambulance entered the settlement soon after.
The settlement is controlled by Elad settlement association, and is a common flashpoint for clashes between settlers and the original Palestinian residents of the area. Israeli forces are also often present, protecting the settlers’ interests.
http://silwanic.net/?p=20886 15 jan 2012, 21:54 , Respect -
Maria 9 oct 2011
The letter that was sent to the ICRC
Mr. Jacob Clainmberg
President
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Geneva
Dear Mr. Clainmberg:
Greetings,
We are three legislatures, Ahmed Attoun, Mohammad Totah, and Khaled Abu Arafeh, who are members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC). Mr. Abu Arafeh is also the former minister in the tenth Palestinian government. We took refuge at the headquarters of the International Red Cross in occupied Jerusalem on July 1, 2010, the day following the occupying Israeli authority’s arrest of a fourth Jerusalem-based member of the PLC, Mr. Mohammad Abu Teir.
One month earlier, the Israeli authorities issued a decision to revoke our Jerusalem residency status and expel us from Jerusalem. This happened despite our possession of valid Jerusalem identity cards (blue IDs) and despite the fact that we, our parents, and grandparents were born in the city. This Israeli decision was taken under the pretext of our “disloyalty to the state of Israel,” through our participation in the Palestinian elections and the tenth government of 2006. All this has taken place based on the illegal Israeli claim of the legitimacy of their occupation of the city Jerusalem.
The Israeli authorities arrested us on 29/6/2006, in addition to arresting 60 other leading Palestinian personalities, based on the excuse of our participating in the Palestinian legislation, which is based on the Oslo agreement and were observed by the international community. This election took place with the full agreement and consent between both the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli authorities. Moreover, it was also agreed upon by both parties that the participation of residents of occupied Jerusalem would be allowed and they would be permitted to be nominated as well as to vote.
Our sit-in protest at the Red Cross Headquarters was undertaken as a step of last resort to protest against the Israeli government’s decision to deprive us of our residency and expel us from Jerusalem. Likewise, we felt the need to raise our case to international public opinion to express the extent of our occupier’s polices of discrimination and oppression.
During our stay at the International Red Cross Mission we have maintained good relations with the administration and staff whom we fully respect for their hard work under such complicated conditions of military occupation, particularly given Israel’s position towards international humanitarian law and conventions, which it is a signatory to most.
Regretfully, we have lately witnessed some negative attitudes by the head of mission, Mr. Khwan Pedro, toward us, who visit the mission’s headquarters in Jerusalem every Sunday. This became obvious on Monday, 26/9/2011, in the presence of Mr. Pedro, on the day Israeli undercover security forces broke in to the mission headquarters at 11:30am. These Israeli forces kidnapped PLC member Mr. Ahmed Attoun from the courtyard of the building. We responded to the request of Mr. Nicolas, the officer-in-charge in Jerusalem, to meet with Mr. Khwan Pedro who read us the press statement that was planned to be issued by the mission concerning the raid and kidnapping.
After listening to the statement we assured to Mr. Pedro and Nicolas that the statement did not satisfactory address the severity of the situation and would provoke the family and friends of abducted Mr Attoun, Jerusalem citizens and supporters. We informed him that the statement should include three important
issues: 1) direct and strong condemnation of the kidnapping of Mr. Ahmed Attoun who is a member of parliament in the legislative council and represents all Jerusalemites,
2) direct denunciation and condemnation of the breaking into the Red Cross Headquarters and violation of its premises, and
3) a call for the immediate release of Member of Parliament Ahmed Attoun or his return to the international mission headquarters from where he was kidnapped.
We clarified to Messrs Pedro and Nicolas that the failure to express any of these three issues in the Red Cross statement gives the impression that the Red Cross administration is in consent of the kidnapping of Mr. Attoun and encourages the Israeli occupation to resume its violations by kidnapping the remaining PLC members, Mr. Mohammed Totah and former minister Mr. Khaled Abu Arafeh. Despite all our efforts, the Red Cross statement was issued without any of our suggestions.
The next day, what we feared happened. Tens of the angry relatives and friends of Mr. Attoun and Jerusalem supporters gathered in the courtyard of the International Red Cross Mission Headquarters. They expressed their condemnation to the position of the Red Cross administration regarding this Israeli aggression and kidnapping and requested the Red Cross to take responsibility to secure the immediate release regarding the kidnapped Member of Parliament. The Red Cross administration promised to look into these requests, although those present doubted the RC administration fulfillment of its promise to do so.
On Saturday, 1/10/2011, tens of supporters gathered again and were accompanied by tens of families who have family members imprisoned by the Israeli occupation authorities. These family members, along with their children, brought attention to the fact that Palestinian prisoners are currently staging a hunger strike and waging a difficult struggle against the Israeli prison authorities. The crowd handed a letter to the administration of the Red Cross in Jerusalem to be submitted to the President of the Red Cross in Geneva, Mr. Jacob Clainberg, to take action in support of these prisoners. Mr. Nicolas did appear among the crowd and was passed a letter from the family of Mr. Attoun. Subsequently, the director of the Red Cross requested a meeting with Mohammed Totah and Khaled Abu Arafeh individually.
The crowd noticed Mr. Nicolas behavior, since he did not show any concern or support , although he was standing among the family of the kidnapped Member of Parliament Mr. Attoun as well as the fathers, mothers, wives, children and friends of other Palestinian prisoners. As a result, the crowd expressed great anger and protested the Red Cross administration’s disregard to the feelings of the family, supporters, and their demands. They also condemned the Red Cross’s silence on the Israeli security action which took place on Red Cross premises. All of this was done in the presence of the media.
Immediately after the crowds left the headquarters’ courtyard, we met with Mr. Nicolas who received us with blame and insult, and accused us of breaking laws and traditions. He held us responsible for the crowds wrath and told us we should have fore-warned him to the nature of the crowd and he described our conduct as “uncouth” and said, “I found it impolite!” As a result he requested a meeting with Mr. Khwan Pedro at 11am the next morning.
We were shocked by Mr. Nicolas’s attitude towards us, the members of parliament representing the entire city and its citizens, and the sit-in protesters in the International Red cross Organization seeking protection and human care, and considered this conduct insulting to all Jerusalemites and casting off the real role adopted by a humanitarian organization where the basic role has to be the protection and care of the civilians under the occupation.
We have rejected all Mr. Nicolas’s accusations and his insult to us, and informed him that gathering of the crowd, families, friends and supporters were themselves the ones behind the initiative of expression of their ideas, opinions, feelings and objections. Also Mr. Nicolas has no right to hold us responsible for this at a time when we are engaged in a sit-in protest and live lives of prisoners. We have also reminded him that we always coordinate with the Red Cross administration regarding “our private activities,” but the participants and Jerusalem citizens’ activities are their own sole responsibility. We have informed him that it was his duty to show some solidarity and interest towards the participants and Jerusalem citizens’ feelings. The Red Cross administration should solely bear the consequences of not denouncing in the proper course the crime of kidnapping Member of Parliament Mr. Attoun.
Also we told him its not polite to describe our position as impolite, and that the Red Cross administration attitude adopted by Mr. Pedro by putting pressure and frightening us of the Israeli occupation and its violations doesn’t frighten us at all. We have also informed him of our refusal to meet with Mr. Pedro, and after an hour of that regretful meeting with Mr. Nicolas he came back to say that he withdraws the word “impolite”.
Mr. Jacob Clainberg, we realize that the Israeli occupation doesn’t care about the customs and code of conduct that governs the relationships between states and international institutions. Furthermore, the behavior of Israeli government, whereby its undercover security used a Red Cross uniform while trying to take information from the prisoners, must be addressed . As a result, we assure you our concern of the possibility of the development of the situation to the worse if the Red Cross administration does not uphold its responsibility, especially at the time when Jerusalemites suffer serious violations for decades on end now.
We believe that the Red Cross should not be dragged into Israeli occupation behaviors that are contrary to all promises and humanitarian and international agreements. It must be ready to stand up to Israeli arrogance with the strength of its humanitarian principles and by the strength of the international and humanitarian laws that are enforced the world over. The international mission can benefit by leveraging the Palestinian people’s persistence to gain its rights, its strength in proof of existence, and its belief in the fairness of its case and which is in harmony with high humanitarian values.
We expect that you will realize the retreat in the position of your mission’s administration, especially in its Jerusalem headquarters. We also hope that you will succeed in addressing the situation of Monday 26/9/2011 and its subsequent ramifications by responding to our claims and the Jerusalemite demands represented by the following:
-- Direct denouncement of the Israeli occupation’s crime of kidnapping Mr. Ahmed Attoun who is member of Palestinian Legislative Council and represents all Jerusalemites
-- Direct denunciation and condemnation of the raiding of the undercover Israeli forces of the International Red Cross Mission Headquarters and violation of its premises
-- Immediate and persistent action for the release of Member of Parliament Ahmed Attoun and returning him back to the International mission headquarters from where he was kidnapped.
With our best regards,
Mohammed Totah
Member of Palestinian Legislative Council
Khalid Abu Arafeh
Jerusalem, former minister in the tenth Palestinian government.
CC: All institutions, local and international representatives that are related to Palestinian issue and Jerusalem in specific.
http://silwanic.net/?p=20943
Confrontations in Al-Hara al-Wasta (middle town)
Confrontations erupted in Al-Hara al-Wasta district at approximately 8:30pm on Friday evening, 7 October. Israeli forces guarding the Israeli settlement in Ras al-Amoud sparked clashes with local Palestinian youth.
Clashes are common in the area, with Israeli forces commonly citing the pretext of youth throwing stones as reason for the violence.
http://silwanic.net/?p=20936
Jerusalem prisoner committee head arrested
Israeli forces arrested Jerusalem Committee for Families of Prisoners head Amjad Abu Assab from his home in Al-Sowaneh on Friday. Assab’s brother Yaqoob was also issued an order from the Ministry of Interior banning him from travel outside the country for six months, citing “prevention of endangerment of Israel’s security”.
Yaqoob reported that a special unit of Israeli forces accompanied by intelligence officers stormed the family home to issue the travel ban order. Yaqoob is already banned from travel by the state, with his current order set to expire on November 5.
The new order bans him from travel from November 4 until May 5 next year. While officers issued Yaqoob the order, his brother was arrested. Yaqoob speculates that the delivery of the order was a useful cover to arrest his brother, stating that “in the past I have been summoned by telephone to the Russian Compound when being issued such orders.”
Amjad was ordered to accompany officers to the station, supposedly to be issued the same orders. Amjad Assab’s detention was extended until today, says his lawyer, and remains under investigation in the Russian Compound in West Jerusalem.
http://silwanic.net/?p=20925
Al-Turbeh Road closed for fifth consecutive day
Israeli forces closed Al-Turbeh Road, which serves as the main entrance to Silwan, for Palestinian vehicles for the fifth day on Thursday 6 October. Israeli settlers were permitted entry, many of whom caused a disturbance for Palestinian drivers whilst Israeli troops looked on.
http://silwanic.net/?p=20919 15 jan 2012, 21:58 , Respect -
Maria 11 oct 2011
Settlers storm al-Aqsa, IOF closes Silwan for Jewish festivities
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (PIC)-- A large group of settlers, under the heavy protection of IOF troops, stormed the Aqsa Mosque on Tuesday morning and provocatively toured the plazas of the Mosque.
The Aqsa Mosque guards said that the storming started about 7:00 am when settlers started entering the Aqsa Mosque compound in small groups and touring the holy site, in response to calls made by settlers leaders and extremist Jewish groups which stressed the importance of participating in what it called “raids to salvage the temple mount from the hands of the Muslims.”
At the same time, the IOF started closing the main entrances to the Silwan Jerusalem suburb, to the south of the Aqsa Mosque and deployed large numbers of troops in preparation for the Jewish Sukkot festival which lasts for seven days.
Silwan had witnessed clashes between local youth and IOF troops Monday night which lasted to a late hour.
http://fwd4.me/0DXD 15 jan 2012, 21:59 , Respect -
Maria 12 oct 2011
Child Protection Commttiee calls for a press Conference
Wadi Hilweh Information Center Child Protection commttiee called for a press conference on Thursday, 13 October 2011 at 16:30 at the Information Center, Silwan.
The conference addresing child arrest in Silwan.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21008
Restoring Confidence to Al Bustan Committee by the Neighborhood residents
Al Bustan neighborhood’s residents restored their confidence to the current committee as the only representative for them towards all formal and informal institution the committee requested the neighborhood residents to reconsider their confidence of the committee, but the response was full of assurance about restoring their confidence to them.
The meeting wasn’t free from some of the criticism to the slackening of the formal and informal institutions from giving the hand for Al Bustan residents in their legal battle against the Israeli Authorities. Finally, every one of the attendances agreed that “lands can’t be plowed but by their bulls “as a sign from them that they won’t wait until the neighborhood is demolished then ask mercy from formal and informal organizations.
The committee of Al Bustan neighborhood also insured that it received many promises from them but saw no actual progress. The attendances demanded the persistence of Friday prayer in the Friday prayers as long as the neighborhood is exposed to be demolished.
Shiekh Mousa Audeh, and Murad Abu Shafe’ talked on behalf of Bustan Committee, then talked Ahmad Rwaidi the counselor of the Palestinian president on personal bases and he promised to to work harder and spend more efforts and admitted that there are negligence toward Jerusalem city on the other hand ,there are some positivities.
Suddenly one of the attendances said angrily , “ where are the ones that claim their love to Jerusalem, not only the preachers stands are going to protect al Bustan, we had our children Jailed and beaten ,our activists were exiled and still followed , where is the support that they keep talking about it , Its crystal clear that the case of Jerusalem ,Silwan and Al- Bustan is neglected and forgotten , so let them speak frankly, we don’t need anything from them” talking about formal and informal organizations.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21031 15 jan 2012, 22:01 , Respect -
Maria 13 oct 2011
Youth abducted from Al-Ein al-Foaka
Israeli forces abducted Muhammad Abbasi, 11, from Al-Ein al-Foaka neighborhood in Silwan on Thursday, 13 October. The neighborhood is notorious for its settler and military presence, who often target Palestinian residents and make clear their agenda of Judaisation of the neighborhood.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21180
Religious settlers assault Palestinian minor
A group of religious settlers assaulted a Palestinian minor whose identity remains unknown, on Thursday 13 October. The attack occured after a Jewish prayer meeting in Al-Mosrarah district, under the observation of Israeli troops. The child was reportedly apprehended and dragged by soldiers to the area where the assault then took place.
One witness stated that the events, though tragic and reprehensible, are not unusual, and in fact take place on a near-daily basis as more Palestinians fall victim to Israeli suspicion and violence.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21178
The daily discrimination of life in Silwan
Residents of Silwan have long since held the view of Israeli settlements in their village as islands of legal immunity, barricaded within walls, security cameras and armed security personnel.
A heavy presence of Israeli military and intelligence patrols settlement areas. Many Municipal services are offered exclusively to Israeli settlers living in Silwan, while many native Palestinian residents, despite paying taxes, are offered nothing by the Municipality. Streets are cleaned after Jewish holidays, and settler garbage containers are emptied by Municipal workers more than once a day.
Many Palestinian neighborhoods, meanwhile, receive no garbage collection. Construction work in settlement areas are undertaken quickly and smoothly, with holes covered so as to avoid accident. Holes in Palestinian areas, however, are left uncovered, posing serious danger to local’s safety.
Israeli traffic police target Palestinian drivers in Silwan, and frequently respond with violence to any residents who protest their discriminatory policies.
Harassment, beating, arrest and potential prison sentences befall those who speak out against police racism, as was the case with local resident Wahid Rweidi, who was attacked recently by Israeli forces.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21107 15 jan 2012, 22:02 , Respect -
Maria 15 jan 2012, 22:03 , Respect -
Maria 15 oct 2011
Flying checkpoint in Wadi Rababa causes traffic jam
Israeli forces imposed a check point on the western entrance to Silwan through Wadi Rababa neighborhood on Tuesday, 11 October evening, causing a traffic jam of Palestinian vehicles.
Flying checkpoints are a fact of life in Silwan, with Israeli forces erecting them regularly and without warning, tightening their grip on movement of Palestinian residents.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21171 15 jan 2012, 22:03 , Respect -
Maria 16 oct 2011
The Jerusalem Observer organizes a seminar entitled “the right of prohibition in Jerusalem and C areas
The Jerusalem observer for Human rights in cooperation with Beit E’nan forum organized a legal seminar entitled with the right to prohibition right in Jerusalem and the C area. under the international conventions’ Umbrella.
Mr. Zaid Tubassi al Ayoubi the head of Jerusalem Observer for human rights spoke and addressed the significance of the prohibition rights in the international treaties within occupation.
The head of the observer presented the responsibilities of the Israeli occupation in Jerusalem and the West Bank as an occupied territory, especially according to the fourth Geneva Convention, and Lahay treaty in 1967 which banded Israel as an occupation state to harm civilians and their homes and properties, insuring that all the occupation procedures particularly, evacuation and demolish ones that are carried out in Jerusalem and the C areas, all these are considered flagrant violations for the Human International law.
He also stressed at the end of the seminar -which has the University students participants and a number of locals from Biet E’nan – on the necessity to activate the tools of the International law specifically, on the level of the international criminal court according to its basic system for the year 1988 which says all of what the Israeli Authority does, are considered crimes against humanity, and war crimes ,especially, the operations of evacuation, the compulsory immigration and house demolishing.
The head of Jerusalem observer demanded at the end of his seminar the international organizations to hold their responsibilities concerning the Palestinians protection from the scheduled and mannered violations, in addition to bringing the Israeli leaders who are responsible for such crimes to the International Justice.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21200
Seminar on occupation in international law held in Beit E’nan
A seminar on the law of zoning in Jerusalem was held by the Jerusalem Observer for Human Rights in cooperation with Beit E’nan on Thursday, 13 October, which was attended by university students and local residents of Beit E’nan. Observer head Mr. Zaid Tubassi al-Ayoubi spoke at the seminar on the significance of prohibition rights in international law in the context of an occupation.
Al-Ayoubi discussed the responsibilities of the Israeli occupying force in the territories of Jerusalem and the West Bank, particularly with regard to the Fourth Geneva Convention and the Lahay Treaty of 1967, which deemed Israel an occupying force that posed a danger to civilians and their home and property. Israel’s actions such as eviction of residents and home demolition, both of which are carried out in Jerusalem and Area C zones are all considered clear violations of human rights under international law. Al-Ayoubi also stressed the need to push for recognition of international law when dealing with the occupation.
The International Criminal Court, said Al-Ayoubi, stated in 1988 that the Israeli occupation has included crimes against humanity and war crimes in pursuing policies of eviction, compulsory immigration and house demolition. Al-Ayoubi closed the seminar by issuing a demand for international organizations to fulfill their responsibilities to the protection of the Palestinians from violations of international law, and bring Israeli leaders responsible for these crimes to justice in the international arena.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21203 15 jan 2012, 22:03 , Respect -
Maria 17 oct 2011
Israel’s travel ban harms ‘entire generations’
Peter Bray
Last month’s decision by the U.S. Congress to block hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to the Palestinians because of the push for statehood at the United Nations will mean more hardship for Palestinians living under Israeli military occupation.
And while Palestinians have not won statehood state yet, and there is no agreement about what steps should be taken in order to create it, almost everyone can agree that laying the foundations for statehood — shaping democratic values, building functioning institutions and a functioning economy, and investing in education — will reap benefits for both Palestinians and their neighbors in Israel and around the globe. Which makes it all the more tragic that, while thousands of young Americans return to school this fall to continue or begin their higher education, many Palestinian students are unable to do so because of Israeli policies that severely restrict their freedom of movement.
As the Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University, the only Catholic university serving students from the occupied Palestinian territories, I have the honor to be involved in a process of building a better future in this region. Since its founding in 1973, Bethlehem University has granted degrees and diplomas to more than 12,000 graduates from the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza. Unfortunately, since the year 2000, Israel has not allowed students from Gaza to enter the West Bank to study at any Palestinian university.
This includes the Vatican-sponsored Bethlehem University in the Latin Patriarchate, which offers degrees in vital fields that are not available in universities in Gaza. Bethlehem University has been creative in making some programs available at a distance to students in Gaza and some students have benefited from these. However, these adjusted programs are not what are best for the students or for the future of Palestinian society and Israel. A university education is about much more than the classroom transmission of knowledge.
It is also about being exposed to new ideas, people, and places, discovering knowledge and truth, engaging in research, and participating in campus life. In 2006, a group of ten young people from Gaza wanted to study occupational therapy, as there is a great need for this service in their society. Because the program is not offered at any university in Gaza they chose Bethlehem University. They enrolled and sought permission to travel to Bethlehem, which was a challenge to the Israeli-imposed restriction on travel for Palestinians. Permission was denied.
Gisha, an Israeli human rights organization, took this matter to Israel’s Supreme Court on behalf of the students. The court ruled that individual security checks were not good enough because young people are part of a “high-risk group.” Israeli officials saw these ten promising students as prospective threats instead of the potential positive contributors to Palestinian society that they are. Since 2006, a few more students from Gaza have been accepted by Bethlehem University, but each year Israel has denied them permission to come study. Sadly, for the current academic year, no Gazans have applied because they see no chance of overcoming the travel ban, and so have either resigned themselves to staying in Gaza or to studying abroad.
The travel ban on students is one of the most tangible examples of how ordinary Palestinians and Palestinian society suffer from Israeli policies that seem temporary but actually harm entire generations. These restrictive realities beg the question: What kind of state building can be envisioned under these circumstances? It also causes me to wonder what the state of Israel stands to gain or lose by preventing these young people, who are their neighbors, from accessing educational opportunities.
Whether a Palestinian state is created or negotiated this year or next, or ten years from now, should not have any bearing on our ability to invest in our most valued assets and our best hope for the future — our young people and their education. Peter Bray is vice chancellor of the Bethlehem University in the Holy Land.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21222
Israeli forces closes the entrance of a grocery and attacking the owner
Silwanic Silwan Jerusalem. A group of Israeli Military troops parked their Military jeep in a at at provocative way at the other side of settlement block which was taken by settlers from Dawood husien few years ago in Wadi hilweh .the owner asked them to move their vehicle away, they refused the owners request and ignored him, but when the residents crowded in big numbers the troops were obliged to move the vehicle to allow people get in and out of the grocery ,after a while huge back up forces showed up from the Jewish settlement towards the military jeep.
One of the residents took some photos then he was attacked to stop taking photos but he refused and told them that he has the right to do so, then the troops started to put on masks as preparations to attack, at that time the crowds of local residents were increasing and this obliged the troops to retreat from the neighborhood .
The situation as mentioned is still tensed , and there are expectations of the mercenaries revengeful soldiers coming back .
Worth mentioning that the Israeli soldiers are using the settlements blocks as centers for their gathering and undercover units where they stay there all the time.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21218
Childhood Remnants
(10:16) Childhood Remnants ????? ????? 2 x viewed
Childhood Remnants a Film produced by Wadi Hilweh Information Center 15 jan 2012, 22:04 , Respect -
Maria 18 oct 2011
Child abducted by settler and turned over to officials
(7:47) divid beire
A 10-year old boy was abducted from Abu Tur neighborhood by a settler yesterday, Monday 17 October. Muhammad al-Khaseeb was taken from the front of his preparatory school by a man said to be a manager in the Elad settler association. Khaseeb was physically assaulted by the settler and a Palestinian man connected to the settler.
Silwanic uncovered the abduction yesterday and Khaseeb was eventually returned home to his parents. Details of the attack to be published tomorrow.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21250 also see http://fwd4.me/0fg0 15 jan 2012, 22:04 , Respect -
Maria 15 jan 2012, 22:05 , Respect -
Maria 24 oct 2011
The Israeli Forces Abduct Two Youth from Silwan
Israeli forces and undercover units abducted 18-year-old Muhammad Abu Nab and another unrecognized child from Al Ein Al Fouqa, Silwan. Both were dragged to unknown locations.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21471
Settler Guards Hits a Cat with Car and Says “ Cats bother me like you
One of the settler’s guards hit a cat in Silwan. A passerby had asked him to stop but the guard only smiled and preceded driving. After hitting the cat he said “ you have many in your neighborhood so you won’t miss it. “
A local onlooker replied, “ don’t you have mercy? You don’t care for what you’ve already done,” to which the guard replied, “cats bother me like you.”
http://silwanic.net/?p=21469
Abd al Kareem Shukhi Arrest Extended for the Second Time
The magistrate court has extended the arrest of Abd Al Kareem Shukhi from the Al Hara Al Wasta district in Silwan. Shukhi was arrested under the pretext of throwing stones against Israeli forces and settlers. During court he denied such charges and said, “ I was playing around but I have never thrown stones at you.” The Israeli general prosecution will present the charges against Shuki on October 21st at 10 a.m.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21467
Settlers throw stones against the crowds celebrating the prisoner’s release
The settlers in Silwan tried to provoke the Palestinians, who were celebrating the prisoner’s release, by throwing stones, showering them with water pipes, and verbally insulting. Despite the settlers’ attempts to end the celebrations, Palestinians continued celebrating for a second day.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21465
Israeli forces raid Middle Town
A huge number of Israeli forces besiegedMiddle Town (Elahar Alwasta) on Sunday, 23 October, blocking all entrances to the neighborhood. The siege was implemented in order to raid the family home of resident Kifah Sarhan. All residents of the home were expelled, and Sarhan himself arrested.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21461
Violent confrontations in Bir Ayyub
Violent clashes erupted in Bir Ayyub district of Silwan on Saturday evening, 22 October. Confrontations were provoked by settlers and Israeli forces, who maintain a heavy presence in the neighborhood.
Bir Ayyub has been one of the hardest hit districts of Silwan by state and settler violence, particularly since the 2008-09 Gaza assault.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21457 15 jan 2012, 22:05 , Respect -
Maria 25 oct 2011
Stone-throwing met with huge military response
A group of children were reported to have thrown stones at a settler car in Al-Abbasiya neighborhood of Silwan on the evening of Monday 17 October, triggering an enormous Israeli military response.
Despite the settler escaping unscathed, a huge force of Israeli troops immediately filled the neighborhood, spreading an air of tension throughout Silwan.
Residents of Silwan live in perpetual fear of arrest. Arrest or abduction can come at unknown hours of the day or night, often without warning.
http://silwanic.net/?p=21489
15 jan 2012, 22:06 , Respect -
Maria 26 oct 2011
Confrontations erupt in Baten al-Hawa
Violent confrontations erupted in Baten al-Hawa district of Silwan on the evening of Wednesday 19 October. Clashes were sparked when youth threw a Molotov cocktail at Beit Yonatan settlement, setting alight a temporary roof covering.
Baten al-Hawa is a common flashpoint for violence in Silwan, fueled by acts of provocation by settlers and their armed security guards
http://silwanic.net/?p=21508