Evictions in Batn al-Hawa: A Community Under Threat

In Batn al-Hawa, a predominantly Palestinian neighborhood in East Jerusalem, residents face imminent eviction as Israeli authorities enforce a series of court rulings favoring Jewish claims to the land. Zohair Rajabi, a lifelong resident, articulates the despair felt by many, stating, “Yes I have lost. I have been defeated.” His family, among 34 others, is at risk of displacement, which could mark the largest coordinated expulsion of Palestinians from the area since 1967.

The roots of the current evictions trace back to the 1930s when British authorities evacuated the community amid rising tensions between Arabs and Jews. Promises of return were never fulfilled. In recent years, the Ateret Cohanim organization has successfully argued in Israeli courts that a philanthropic trust established in the late 19th century grants Jewish people the right to reclaim properties in Batn al-Hawa, despite the current inhabitants’ long-standing residence.

The legal framework supporting these evictions includes a 1970 law allowing Jewish individuals to reclaim property in East Jerusalem. Daniel Luria, a spokesperson for Ateret Cohanim, claims that the organization has placed nearly 40 Jewish families in the neighborhood. The current Israeli government, described as the most rightwing in its history, includes ministers who advocate for the expansion of Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has expressed support for annexing significant portions of the West Bank, reflecting a broader governmental aim to maintain a Jewish majority in Jerusalem.

Residents like Rajabi attribute the surge in evictions to the recent conflict in Gaza, suggesting that the war has fostered an environment conducive to aggressive settlement policies. Amy Cohen from the NGO Ir Amim warns that the ongoing evictions could lead to a significant demographic shift in the neighborhood. Rajabi fears for his family’s future, stating, “The government and the settlers want us out of Jerusalem.” His daughter, Dahreen, expresses her sadness at the prospect of leaving her home, emphasizing the emotional toll of potential displacement.

Critics of the eviction process highlight the humanitarian implications of displacing families who have lived in Batn al-Hawa for generations. Rajabi’s perspective underscores the emotional and social ramifications of such actions, as he notes the potential fragmentation of his family and the loss of community ties. Luria, however, defends the evictions, labeling the residents as “illegal squatters” and framing the situation as a reclamation of historical rights.

• “Yes I have lost. I have been defeated. I am not only waiting for my home to be taken but for every home here to be taken,” — Zohair Rajabi, Resident of Batn al-Hawa

• “The war is a big factor. If there was no war, maybe you would see only one eviction every 10 years instead of five in 15 months. The war has created an atmosphere where you can push this through …. An atmosphere of hate,” — Zohair Rajabi

• “When the Jews came back in 1948, it didn’t stop there, or in 1967 … the Zionist dream is not over,” — Daniel Luria, Ateret Cohanim

The situation in Batn al-Hawa reflects broader tensions in Jerusalem, where the struggle over land and identity continues to shape the lives of its residents. As evictions proceed, the implications for community cohesion and the future of Palestinian presence in East Jerusalem remain uncertain.