APN | Beit Ejza – Jerusalem

January 2024

APN is dedicatedly working through its Million Tree Campaign to safeguard Palestinian lands from confiscation by planting trees on them. This initiative aims to render ineffective the old land law exploited by Israel to expand its settlements. Particularly focusing on Jerusalem, APN has designated 40,000 fruit trees to be planted in the surrounding villages during the 2024 agricultural season.

The story of Zionist colonialism in Palestine traces back to the 19th century. In Bayt Ijza, a small village northwest of Jerusalem, this history intertwines with the arrival of the initial settlers in 1895. Despite their departure several years later, settlers reappeared in 1924, establishing the "Giv'on HaHadasha" settlement. This resurgence prompted the villagers to confront the threat to their existence, leading to their active involvement in the Buraq Uprising in 1929. Through their collective efforts, the settlers were eventually expelled, safeguarding the village and its inhabitants.

In 1977, the area was recolonized to serve as a base for the paramilitary Nahal program, blending military service with agricultural work. However, the present settlement took shape in 1980, spanning 358 dunums of land seized from various villages, with over 44% of it originating from Bayt Ijza.

In APN's communication through its Million Tree Campaign with the farmers of Bayt Ijza, it became evident that they are confronting the harsh realities imposed by the occupation. The village, spanning approximately 4,500 dunums, mostly falls under Israeli control. Building on this land is severely restricted, with only 8% designated for construction. Additionally, agricultural activities are subject to Israeli permits, often contingent on the whims of the Zionist authorities. Following the village's detachment from its historical connection to Jerusalem and its isolation due to the apartheid wall, which claimed 1,500 dunums, the confiscation of lands became facilitated. In response, APN embarked on a significant endeavor, planting 200 trees in collaboration with the Association for the Rural Renaissance of Villages Northwest of Jerusalem, with the generous support of Mr. Ahmed Amin Shreim.