Arab Follow-up Committee to Mark Jerusalem Uprising Anniversary

The Follow-up Committee for the Affairs of the Arab Citizens in Israel and the Committee of Heads of Arab Local Authorities convened in Baqa al-Gharbiyya on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The meeting's primary decision was to commemorate the "Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Uprising" anniversary in Arraba on Saturday, October 3, 2026, with attendees also urged to visit the martyrs' graves on the same day.

The committee also addressed the ongoing demolition of homes, particularly in Tamra and Lod, which the Israel Land Authority is reportedly leading under the pretext of property regularization. A national coordination meeting involving representatives from Tamra, Lod, the Committee of Heads, the Follow-up Committee, and professional teams in planning, law, and media will be convened. The goal is to demand a return to the settlement process that was in place until the end of 2022 and to organize a protest outside the Israel Land Authority offices. Demolitions in Wadi Ara were also discussed, with plans to coordinate with local authorities to counter them.

Regarding crime and violence within the Arab community, the committee emphasized the need to activate reconciliation and civil peace committees, highlighting their role in de-escalating tensions. They also resolved to establish such committees in communities where they are currently inactive and to hold a dedicated study day for the Follow-up Committee to develop a future action plan.

The committee condemned what it termed "fascist racist incitement" against the Arab community, targeting leaders, political parties, local authorities, and professionals like doctors, drivers, teachers, and journalists. A consultative meeting with the Forum of Arab Lawyers is planned to explore legal action against those inciting hatred. A detailed document will also be prepared to outline the dimensions and consequences of this incitement.

Furthermore, the Follow-up Committee denounced repeated aggressions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and called on the public to visit Jerusalem and the mosque to defend religious and national rights. They also condemned a six-month ban preventing Dr. Ibrahim Abu Jaber, acting head of the Al-Wafa'a and Al-Islah party, from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque, as well as similar bans against Sheikh Raed Salah, Sheikh Kamal Khatib, and numerous other citizens. The committee affirmed its commitment to continuing the struggle to defend Jerusalem and its holy sites through all legitimate means.