APN | Al-Khader

14 May 2023

 

When discussing the impact of colonialism in Area C, it becomes evident that the town of al-Khader in Bethlehem, situated among the villages near the southern Jerusalem fence, stands out. Only the residents of this town truly comprehend the profound implications of being enclosed by 15 settlements and outposts, along with the imposing Apartheid Wall that isolates numerous lands, including the property belonging to farmer Abu Thaer. APN has intervened to provide support and safeguard his land from being seized.

Every day, Abu Thaer faces the challenge of accessing his land, which is isolated by the wall. He carries within him a resilient spirit and remains hopeful in the midst of the occupation's attempts to expand settlements in the area. Among these settlements, one is designated as a "local authority", housing over 2,000 Zionist settlers, while others fall under the jurisdiction of the Gush Etzion Regional Council, which accommodates more than 84,000 settlers.

Abu Thaer’s commitment to maintaining his land in Al-Khader, a village near Jerusalem, tells a remarkable tale of unwavering steadfastness. He believes that the greatest form of resistance is cultivating the land and refusing to abandon it. Every day after work, he dedicates himself to caring for the trees on his land, which he considers as dear as his own children. To safeguard his ownership rights and prevent the manipulation of an old land law by the occupation to confiscate his land, the Million Tree Campaign planted 500 fruit trees contributed by Abdul Rahman Nobani and his loved ones.