The Nassar Family's Ongoing Struggle for Their West Bank Farm

The Nassar family's struggle to retain their 42-hectare farm in the West Bank has deep historical roots. Daher Nassar, a Christian Palestinian farmer, purchased the land in 1916 and registered it with the Ottoman authorities. This ownership was maintained through successive administrations, including the British mandate, the Jordanian government, and ultimately under Israeli occupation after 1967. The family’s legal battle began in 1991 when Israeli authorities declared their farmland “state land,” initiating a protracted legal conflict that remains unresolved.

The Guardian

Despite having valid title deeds dating back to the British mandate, the Nassar family has faced continuous legal challenges from the Israeli military. Legal expert Sliman Shaheen notes that the Israeli government has systematically classified land as “state land” to facilitate its control, particularly in Area C of the West Bank. The Nassar family has appeared in military and supreme courts for decades, with rulings occasionally in their favor, yet the Israeli military continues to appeal these decisions, seeking to expropriate the land.

The Guardian

The situation has intensified since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, with reports of increased land seizures and the establishment of new settlements in the West Bank. The Nassar family has endured harassment and violence from nearby settlers, who have vandalized their property, uprooted trees, and blocked access to their land. Daoud Nassar, the current owner, describes the ongoing attacks as a constant threat to their livelihood and existence.

The Guardian

In response to these challenges, the Nassar family has garnered international support through the “Tent of Nations” project, which invites volunteers from around the world to assist in farming activities. This initiative not only provides essential labor but also serves as a protective presence against settler violence. Volunteers, like Italian schoolteacher Gloria Ghetti, have expressed a commitment to standing against perceived injustices by actively participating in the family's agricultural efforts.

The Guardian

The Nassar family's plight highlights the broader issues of land ownership and rights in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The Israeli government has consistently rejected accusations of ethnic cleansing and illegal settlement activities, framing them as necessary for security and development. The Nassar family's ongoing struggle exemplifies the complexities of land rights in a region marked by historical grievances and ongoing conflict.

The Guardian

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) did not respond to inquiries regarding the Nassar family's land confiscation attempts. As the legal battle continues, the Nassar family remains committed to non-violent resistance, emphasizing their belief in justice over retaliation. The future of their farm, however, remains uncertain amid escalating tensions and ongoing legal challenges.

The Guardian

• “We spent decades in front of a military court and years in front of the supreme court.” — Daoud Nassar, Owner of the Nassar Farm

The Guardian

• “We chose to believe in justice.” — Daoud Nassar, reflecting on their approach to conflict

The Guardian

• “The settlers attack us constantly,” — Daoud Nassar, on the ongoing violence from settlers

The Guardian

• “They destroy our water tanks where we store rainwater, build roads across our land, block access to the main gate, and uproot our olive trees and crops.” — Daoud Nassar, describing settler actions

The Guardian

The Nassar family's story is emblematic of the struggles faced by many Palestinian families in the West Bank, caught in the crossfire of legal, political, and social conflicts.

The Guardian