Israel's Hevrat Kadisha Restricts Palestinian Access to Homes in Silwan
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
An Israeli organization, Hevrat Kadisha, has blocked access for about 20 Palestinian families to their homes in Silwan, East Jerusalem, claiming the area is an ancient Jewish cemetery. Residents dispute the claim and say the barrier cuts off their only access route, hindering emergency services. A court agreement allows temporary access but prohibits parking, imposing fines on violators. Residents suspect the actions are part of settlement expansion efforts.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hevrat Kadisha erected a barrier in Silwan, East Jerusalem, restricting access for 20 Palestinian families to their homes.
- The organization claims the area is an ancient Jewish cemetery, a claim disputed by residents with historical evidence.
- The barrier blocks the sole access route, raising concerns for emergency services and residents with mobility issues.
- A court agreement allows temporary access but prohibits parking, imposing fines and a financial deposit on residents.
- Residents believe the actions are part of settlement expansion efforts aimed at displacing them from the area.
The Israeli organization Hevrat Kadisha has erected an iron barrier in Silwan, East Jerusalem, restricting access for approximately 20 Palestinian families to their homes. The group claims the area is part of an ancient Jewish cemetery, citing the adjacent Sambuski Cemetery. Residents dispute this, presenting historical photos and evidence from previous excavations by the Israeli municipality that they say prove no graves exist in the parking lot, which serves as their sole access route.
The barrier, installed about a month ago by workers accompanied by police, blocks a significant portion of a dirt parking lot. Residents argue that the closure exacerbates difficulties in reaching their homes, especially for the elderly and disabled, due to the area's rugged terrain and steep inclines on alternative paths. They also expressed serious concerns about emergency services, such as ambulances and fuel or sanitation trucks, being able to reach the neighborhood. A police officer reportedly told a resident that an ambulance would require police intervention to open the gate.
Following the barrier's installation, residents filed a petition with the Jerusalem Central Court. A temporary agreement allowed the gate to remain open for dropping off passengers and goods, but prohibited parking. Residents must now find alternative parking and are subject to a 50,000 shekel deposit, with a 1,000 shekel fine for each vehicle parked in the lot, deducted from the deposit.
Hevrat Kadisha has also pursued legal action against resident Shadi Sumreen, attempting to prevent the construction of a temporary shelter at his home. Although a court initially ruled in Sumreen's favor, allowing construction materials to enter, an administrative order was subsequently issued by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority to demolish the unfinished shelter.
Hevrat Kadisha took over management of the Sambuski Cemetery and surrounding areas from the Israeli Ministry of Justice's Custodian General. Residents believe these actions, along with the placement of tombstones in areas they claim are not burial sites, are part of a broader effort by right-wing settlement groups like Elad to pressure Palestinians to leave Silwan amidst ongoing settlement expansion.