Rabbis make solidarity visit to Khan al-Ahmar

Source: Rabbis for Human Rights

Rabbis for Human Rights gathered at Bedouin-Palestinian village Khan al-Ahmar on the evening of 26 September. It is currently under the threat of demolition, and they gathered for an open meeting to express solidarity with the villagers. The gathering was led by Rabbi Levi Weiman- Kelman, President of Rabbis for Human Rights, and Dr. Yehuda Schwartz, Project Manager.

On 5 September the High Court of Israel ruled to allow the demolition of the village. Rabbis for Human Rights say:

"The village was established prior to Israel taking control of the West Bank in 1967. The village sits on lands that the Israeli High Court defined as privately owned Palestinian lands that "may have been confiscated in the past." Due to the traditional way of life of the village, it has never been recognised by the State of Israel. When a village is "unrecognised," the path to gaining building permits is completely inaccessible from the onset. Therefore, any building attempts are considered "illegal" despite the intentions of residents. Israel rejects plans for legalising the village on the pretext that it is adjacent to a highway. The neighbouring settlement of Kfar Adumim, some of which was built on private Palestinian land, is not being demolished. Despite this clearly unjust and discriminatory context, the High Court of Israel is allowing the state to demolish the village."