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🇵🇹 Portugal /Culture & Society

'I'm Tearing Down Everything I Built': Palestinians Forced to Demolish Their Own Homes in Jerusalem

From Público · () Portuguese

Translated from Portuguese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Outcome reported
  • Palestinians in Jerusalem are forced to demolish their own homes following court orders, opting to do so themselves to avoid exorbitant fees charged by authorities.
  • This painful process is part of Israel's ongoing occupation and displacement of Palestinians, particularly in areas like Al-Bustan in Silwan.
  • The demolitions are paving the way for Israeli projects, such as the 'King's Gardens' theme park, despite contested historical claims.

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Palestinians in Jerusalem are being compelled to demolish their own homes. Following judicial orders, residents are choosing to carry out the destruction themselves rather than pay hefty fees to demolition companies hired by the authorities. This painful act is a stark illustration of the ongoing Israeli occupation and the systematic displacement of Palestinians from their land.

I am demolishing, with my own hands, everything I worked for.

— Mujahid BadranBadran describes the emotional toll of demolishing his own home in Jerusalem.

Mujahid Badran, a 29-year-old father of three, described the agonizing process of dismantling his home with pneumatic hammers and a sledgehammer during the recent Eid al-Adha festivities. "I am demolishing, with my own hands, everything I worked for," he told the Hebrew newspaper Haaretz. Similarly, Jalal al-Tawil recounted the bitter experience of destroying the house his father built, even cutting down a 35-year-old grapevine that used to provide grapes for the entire neighborhood.

It is really difficult, even bitter.

— Jalal al-TawilAl-Tawil reflects on the painful process of destroying his family home.

Forced to choose between self-demolition or paying a significantly higher cost to Israeli contractors, residents feel they are choosing between "suicide or being murdered." Beyond the financial burden, which can amount to one-tenth of the official demolition cost, there is a deep-seated reluctance to let Israeli forces destroy their homes, fearing a chaotic and disrespectful process. "If they do it, they will rummage through everything and leave everything in chaos," one resident stated.

Choosing between carrying out the demolition or paying for it was like 'choosing between suicide or being murdered.'

— Jalal al-TawilAl-Tawil explains the impossible choice faced by Palestinian homeowners under demolition orders.

These demolitions are concentrated in neighborhoods like Al-Bustan in Silwan, where dozens of orders have been issued. The accelerated demolition process is reportedly clearing the way for Israeli projects, including the controversial "King's Gardens" theme park, part of the City of David complex. This development is based on disputed historical interpretations of the city's Jewish past, even among Israeli archaeologists. During the recent Eid celebrations alone, at least seven demolition orders were issued, adding to over 50 in the past two years. Families are often given a mere three days to comply, facing the threat of demolition by authorities and subsequent billing if they fail to act.

If they do it, they will rummage through everything and leave everything in chaos.

— Jalal al-TawilAl-Tawil expresses concern about the destructive methods Israeli demolition crews might employ.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Público in Portuguese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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