Take Action to Save Silwan

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

The Palestinian town of Silwan lies on the edge of East Jerusalem, just outside the walls of the Old City. Many Palestinian families in Silwan now live in fear of imminent eviction by the Israeli authorities in order to make way for a new tourist attraction. A total of 88 houses have been issued demolition orders, and many families have been told they’ll lose their homes by the end of September.

As many of you know, over the last few years MECA has launched several projects in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan to help Palestinian children and families who have been living under constant siege for several years. Their land is being stolen under the guise of biblical archaeology. Israeli settlers have taken over Palestinian homes and harass and attack residents daily. "Administrative demolitions" threaten to leave many homeless. Hundreds of people—including children as young as six—have been arrested, beaten by police, and barred from entering the village that their families have lived in for generations.

We now urgently ask that you take action to help the people of Silwan who are facing home demolitions and evictions this month. We need your support and from all justice seeking individuals around the world to stop the demolitions.

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.

Please take action now and then share on Facebook and Twitter!

Many thanks,
MECA Staff