In the heart of East Jerusalem, the Rajabi family faces an emotional upheaval as their home becomes a battleground in the fight against displacement and cultural erasure. As Kayed Rajabi reflects on his deep attachment to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the memories tied to his neighborhood, the looming threat of eviction casts a significant shadow over the community. Their story emphasizes the profound human impact of political and legal conflicts, illuminating a struggle that extends far beyond mere property disputes.
Batn al-Hawa, Occupied East Jerusalem – Kayed Rajabi, a resident of Batn al-Hawa, spends his days on the rooftop of his family home, gazing toward the iconic Al-Aqsa Mosque. A street sweeper for the Jerusalem municipality, Rajabi has halted his work, gripped by fear that his family might be forcibly removed from the only home they have ever known. As tensions rise, children from the neighborhood, aware of the impending evictions, have also stopped attending school, each moment together becoming a cherished memory against a backdrop of uncertainty.
“I have lived here my entire life,” Rajabi says, describing the home filled with his laughter and memories of loved ones. The prospect of losing their home evokes a deep pain, as he feels that these are not just physical structures but repositories of collective history—a heartbreak that extends to countless families facing similar threats. “Today, the house that harbors my dreams is targeted for destruction to make way for another family,” he laments.
In early January, the Israeli Supreme Court dismissed final appeals from 150 Palestinians across 28 families in the Batn al-Hawa neighborhood, setting a precedent for the largest forced displacement of Palestinians since 1967. Approximately 700 residents, spanning 84 families, now live with the constant threat of eviction, a reality compounded by the recent loss of homes experienced by their neighbors, particularly the family of Khalil al-Basbous.
In a neighborhood characterized by its close-knit community, Rajabi recalls the rooftop gatherings shared with family and friends, where they celebrated significant occasions like Ramadan and Eid. “The memories were so sweet before the settlers came,” he remarks, clearly marking the divide between past joy and present turmoil.
The Rajabi family is not alone in facing adversity. The expanded community has been subject to relentless pressure since numerous homes have already been vacated due to escalating eviction efforts by settler organizations, notably Ateret Cohanim. The group has sought to assert control over the area under the guise of historic claims, leading to tearing bonds within the community.
Historically rich neighborhoods like Batn al-Hawa have witnessed waves of migration and settlement. Before the 1967 war, when Israel seized control over East Jerusalem, many locals, including the Rajabis, were compelled to relocate. Although they purchased their land legally from previous owners, subsequent legal interpretations have favored the claims of settlers, often dismissing the rights and histories of Palestinian residents.
The Israeli government’s approach, as articulated by Ateret Cohanim, attempts to navigate the sensitive historical narratives surrounding land ownership while sidelining the rights and experiences of current residents. Critics, including local community leaders, argue that the eviction process represents a modern injustice, recalling the broader implications of displacement on Palestinian identity and heritage.
The struggle continues for families like the Rajabis as they grapple with uncertainties regarding their future. “We will stay until our last breath,” asserts Wa’il Rajabi, expressing their determination to resist eviction, despite pressing financial struggles that make moving untenable.
As the community faces the rapid fragmentation of familial ties, children navigate an environment infiltrated by fear and anxiety about their future. Conversations filled with hope and resilience juxtapose with the realities of their lives, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and understanding within a complex sociopolitical landscape. “Sometimes, we talk about growing up, defend each other, or do something to offer support,” says Joury, Kayed’s young daughter, evoking the innocence and love that still thrives despite looming challenges.
Amidst uncertainty, the families persist, embodying a spirit of resilience that speaks volumes about their deep connection to their home and community.
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