Take Action to Save Silwan

Palestinian families in Silwan, East Jerusalem, have been told they’ll lose their homes by the end of September. The Israeli authorities plan to demolish large parts of Silwan to build a tourist attraction.

The bulldozers could arrive at any time - it’s vital we support the community in Silwan as they fight to remain in their homes.

Take action now, and help stop the bulldozers in Silwan. 

Attn: Mr. Nir Barkat, Mayor of Jerusalem
Mr. Lawrence Silverman, Director, Office of Israel and Palestinian Affairs, US Department of State
Mr. Richard Selly, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process

Dear Mr. Barkat,

I am writing to urge you to end the threat of demolitions and evictions in Silwan, East Jerusalem. Recently, the UK based humanitarian organization, War on Want, reported that new demolition orders have been issued in the Al-Bustan neighbourhood of Silwan. This is in addition to the 88 homes already under threat. Many families have been told they could lose their homes by the end of September.

The Jerusalem municipality’s decision to press forward with plans to turn Silwan into an exclusive tourist site and national park could see over 1,000 Palestinians forced from their homes.

I support the community in Silwan as it resists these evictions, which are illegal under international law. East Jerusalem is an occupied Palestinian territory, and any demolitions or population transfers are prohibited by the fourth Geneva Convention.

I look forward to receiving assurances from the Jerusalem municipality that Palestinians in Silwan will not be subjected to demolitions and evictions. The eviction of Palestinians from their homes and the construction of illegal settlements have been criticized worldwide and create greater obstacles for any just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In addition to signing this letter, today I stand in solidarity with the people of the Bustan neighborhood who are holding a peaceful vigil to protest orders of its demolition by Israeli officials and the displacement of its original inhabitants.

I have cc’d U.S. State Department officials, as well as the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Richard Selly to this email, in order to raise my concerns and urge them to give this matter immediate attention since it is time sensitive.

Yours sincerely,