Hope grows as Israeli court issues preliminary order over Cremisan

Cremisan Valley

The community in the Cremisan Valley near Bethlehem, who have been living under the threat of eviction from their homes and lands by the construction of the Separation Wall for the past year, have been given a temporary reprieve.

The Supreme Court has issued a preliminary order asking the State Attorney to develop its argument and explain why no alternative routes for the fence in the area have been considered. Israel has until 10 April 2014 to respond. Until the State responds all work has to be stopped. The court asked the Ministry of Defense and the Commander of the West Bank to cancel the seizure orders issued in Cremisan.

“The case is not over until a final ruling is given. The court’s decision is an indication that it is not inclined to adopt the State’s position. We definitely have new hope – the answer of the court is a good sign” said Advocate Zvi Avni, lawyer from the Society of St Yves representing the Salesian Convent and School.

The Supreme Court has set a new hearing for 30 July 2014 to discuss the requested answer of the State and the responses to it of the people of Cremisan.

If the wall is built according to current plans, the Cremisan Valley will be cut off from the community. 58 mainly Christian families and a Salesian convent will lose their lands; the convent, which is running a school, will be situated in a military area and will be separated from their neighbouring monastery.

Last year, on 24 April, the Israeli Special Appeals Committee for land seizure under emergency law released its verdict in favour of the State, for a route which cuts off the valley from Beit Jala and separates the Salesian Convent from the Salesian Monastery.

In a Supreme Court hearing on Wednesday, 29 January, the Council of Peace and Security, an association of high ranking Israeli security personnel, stated in an expert opinion that an alternative route below the illegal settlement of Gilo would cause much less harm for the community. At the same time it would serve Israeli security needs in a better way.

Source: Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem/Society of St Yves