APN | Al-Khidr - South of Jerusalem

2023

A multitude of settlements engulf the villages located to the south of Jerusalem, while the struggle escalates as Palestinians remain determined to safeguard their lands through cultivation, in defiance of an old land law manipulated by the occupying forces. This law is being imposed upon Palestinian lands that have remained uncultivated for three years.

In the town of Al-Khidr, positioned 7 km from Jerusalem, within the presence of 15 settlements and outposts, Zionist groups are employing new strategies for land appropriation under the guise of misleading "agricultural" endeavors, similar to the tactics employed by the "Women for Israel's Tomorrow" movement, also known as Women in Green. This underscores the urgent need to strengthen Palestinian farming, safeguard each parcel of land, and counter the damage inflicted by government-supported radical settlers shielded by the occupying military.

Amal Al-Bashiti, who was visiting from abroad, witnessed the reality of the town which stands on the frontline facing the most aggressive settlements in the West Bank, and recognized the importance of each tree in safeguarding the land. Through the noble support of planting 150 fruit-bearing trees, in collaboration with APN, Amal, her family, and friends contribute to strengthening the solidarity of the Palestinian community, spanning those within Palestine as well as across the Diaspora.