Full Breakdown
Closure of Burj al-Luqluq Community Center in Jerusalem
2/18/2026, 8:06:44 PM
Police Action and Closure Order
Israeli police have closed the Burj al-Luqluq community center in the Old City of Jerusalem for six months, citing alleged connections to the Palestinian Authority (PA) and accusations of receiving funding from organizations linked to terrorism. The closure order, signed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, was executed following a raid on the center's premises. Police stated that the center was operating without the necessary authorization from the Israeli government, which they claim constitutes a violation of the law.
The raid occurred around 10:30 a.m., during which police sealed the center's headquarters and removed employees. The police characterized the activities at the center as incitement against the State of Israel. The closure order explicitly prohibits any activities at the site, regardless of the name or title under which they may be conducted.
Background and Context
The Burj al-Luqluq community center has served the Palestinian community in Jerusalem for over three decades, providing services to children, youth, and women. It operates in the Bab Huttah neighborhood and aims to strengthen Palestinian Arab national identity in Jerusalem and Area C. The timing of the closure, just before the start of Ramadan, has raised concerns about its implications for the local community.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the closure, the Burj al-Luqluq center issued a statement describing the police action as "arbitrary" and announced plans to challenge the order in court. They emphasized their registration with the Jerusalem municipality, arguing that their activities are legitimate and beneficial to the community.
Minister Ben-Gvir's office defended the closure, asserting that the government will not tolerate activities that undermine state security. The minister expressed pride in the enforcement actions taken by local authorities against what he described as terrorism-related activities.
Criticism & Opposition
The closure has been met with criticism from various Palestinian groups and local advocates, who view it as part of a broader trend of escalating restrictions on Palestinian cultural and civil institutions in East Jerusalem. Critics argue that such actions threaten the community's social fabric and cultural identity, exacerbating tensions in an already volatile environment.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While police allege that the Burj al-Luqluq center is linked to terrorism, the center and its supporters contest these claims, asserting that they are unfounded and politically motivated. There is a lack of independent verification regarding the specific evidence cited by the police to justify the closure, highlighting a gap in transparency surrounding the enforcement actions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ A statement from Minister Ben-Gvir's office to Arutz Sheva said, "We will not allow activities undermining the state.” — Itamar Ben-Gvir, Minister of National Security
The closure of the Burj al-Luqluq community center represents a significant development in the ongoing tensions between Israeli authorities and Palestinian institutions, with potential implications for community relations and cultural expression in Jerusalem.
