Citizen Forced to Demolish Own Home in Umm al-Fahm After 15 Years of Licensing Efforts
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
Saeed Ighbariya was forced to demolish his own home in Umm al-Fahm, Israel, after 15 years of failed attempts to obtain a building permit. He chose self-demolition to avoid higher costs from police action. Ighbariya criticized the lack of master plans and legal pathways for construction permits, highlighting a widespread issue affecting many families. He expressed feelings of lost rights and dignity due to the situation, warning of social consequences for youth unable to secure housing.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Saeed Ighbariya demolished his own home in Umm al-Fahm after 15 years of failed licensing attempts.
- He chose self-demolition to avoid higher costs and police involvement.
- Ighbariya cited a lack of master plans and legal pathways as the cause of the licensing crisis.
- Thousands of homes in the area were built without permits, indicating a widespread problem.
- He criticized authorities for expecting taxes without providing legal building solutions.
- Ighbariya warned of social consequences for youth unable to secure housing.
A Palestinian citizen, Saeed Ighbariya, recounted the painful experience of being compelled to demolish his own home in Umm al-Fahm, Israel, to avoid incurring additional costs from police-led demolitions and financial penalties. Ighbariya stated that he had spent approximately 15 years attempting to legalize his construction and obtain a building permit without success. He explained that he chose to carry out the demolition himself after being informed that the police intended to execute the demolition with a large force, which he feared would lead to greater financial burdens.
Ighbariya revealed that his house was built on land he claims is privately owned and registered. Over the years, he approached the municipality and relevant authorities to complete legal procedures and secure a permit, paying various fees for construction and infrastructure, including water charges. Despite reaching an advanced stage of construction, authorities halted the work, leading him to legal proceedings. A court granted him a year to resolve the issue with the municipality, but no solution was found.
He questioned the ongoing licensing crisis in Umm al-Fahm, attributing it to the absence of a master plan that hinders citizens from building legally, even when willing to comply with requirements. Ighbariya highlighted that thousands of homes in and around Umm al-Fahm were built without permits, citing a lack of infrastructure like electricity, indicating the problem extends beyond his individual case to many families.
Ighbariya criticized the authorities for failing to provide practical solutions to the construction crisis, questioning the role of local authorities and responsible bodies in preparing master plans and establishing legal pathways for permits. He expressed frustration at being expected to pay taxes and fees while being unable to legalize his home, feeling a loss of rights, dignity, and representation. He also suggested that demolitions are politically motivated, linked to escalating anti-Arab sentiments.
He warned of the social repercussions of the ongoing housing and demolition crisis, noting that young people unable to build homes or start families face an uncertain future. Ighbariya called for collective, peaceful action to defend the right to housing, emphasizing the need for practical steps beyond mere statements, including accelerating master plan preparation and creating clear permit pathways. He concluded by stating his loss extends beyond the physical structure to his family's stability and his son's future, as he must now find a new place to live.
