Palestinian Christian Forced From New Home by Settler Violence
Bashir Naim, a Palestinian Christian, has been forced to abandon his newly built home in the West Bank town of Taybeh, east of Ramallah, after just days of occupancy due to what he describes as escalating settler "terrorism." Naim spent seven years and over $270,000 constructing the 421-square-meter house, intended to house his family for generations. He installed fences and surveillance cameras for security, but reported repeated attacks by Israeli settlers, including the theft of cameras and disruption of internet service, which he claims turned his home into a "prison."
Naim recounted instances where he and his son were pursued and nearly attacked by settlers, forcing them to seek refuge inside the house. Despite reinforcing security measures, the constant harassment and fear led him and his son to leave after only four or five nights, returning to his father's old home within Taybeh. The situation has prompted Naim's sons to consider emigration, with his daughter already having sought asylum in France.
Taybeh, a predominantly Christian town in the West Bank known for its churches and historical sites, has seen a recent surge in settler attacks on homes, land, and livelihoods. Local and church leaders warn that these ongoing aggressions are pushing families and young people to consider leaving the area. Father Bishar Fawadleh of the Latin Church of the Redeemer in Taybeh stated that Naim's story is representative of the pressures faced by residents, with over 16 families having left Taybeh in the past three years and dozens more contemplating emigration.
In response to the escalating violence, the Israeli military declared Taybeh a "closed military zone" on August 10, restricting access for non-residents. However, residents and clergy reported that settlers continued to access the town's lands despite the order. The Palestinian Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission reported 628 settler attacks and 1,402 Israeli military attacks in the West Bank during August, highlighting a broader trend of increased settler violence.
