Three dunams of wheat from the Palestinian village Turmus Ayya up went up in flames late yesterday (July 29th 2015) afternoon.

This is the second time this week that stacks of wheat were seemingly set on fire. Palestinian locals report that footprints from the scene lead to the illegal outpost Geulat Tzion. On July 21, an estimated 145 olive saplings belonging to village residents were also uprooted.

Photos by Zakaria Sadah, RHR field worker

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California Senator Dianne Feinstein has sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging him to halt the demolitions of Susya, and stating the Israeli Civil Administration should re-examine its rejection of Susya’s master plan, which would authorise building on their land.  Please find the letter below.

We are incredibly grateful to Senator Feinstein for taking this principled stand for justice.

“Dianne Feinstein, official Senate photo 2″ by United States Congress, US Senate Photo

Download here

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Yesterday morning, July 29 2015,  Rabbi Ascherman met Israeli settler shepherds on Palestinian Susya’s land. He writes:

“This morning settler shepherds from the Susya organic dairy descended, like they do almost evey day, into Palestinian Susya’s lands. As Palestinians filmed, I asked them to leave, called the police, and argued with them about what the Jewish tradition says about the property rights of non-Jews in the Land of Iarael.

This shows why Susya residents don’t accept proposals to move them. They don’t agree to move to lands belonging to others because they know their lands will be taken over if they don’t guard them daily. One example: Although we have a 1997 letter from the defense minister indicating that all the lands from the settlement fence westward are private Palestinian, this land was taken over by settlers and made into a vineyard. The the Shreitakh family, whose land it is, lives in Yatta and were therefore not able to guard the land from take-overs.

This is what all the residents of Susya fear will happen to their land if they agree to move.”

Settler vineyard planted on the Shreitakh family land

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A horrific “price tag” attack early this morning in the Palestinian village of Duma left one baby dead and 3 seriously injured.

What we currently understand:

At approximately 2:10 am residents of Duma saw masked people fleeing a home that quickly went up in flames. It was clear to them that these were Israelis, and our Defense Minister has already called this an act of terror perpetrated by Jews. One home had people in it. The victims were the Dehabshe family, and  a 1.5 year old boy was murdered. The parents and a 4 year old brother were seriously injured.

Our Palestinian field worker Zakaria Sadah was one of the first to arrive on the scene, and helped coordinate helicopter evactuation of the injured to Israeli hospitals.The graffiti reads “Revenge”, with a Jewish Star, and “Long live the King Messiah,” with a crown.

The Coordinator for Government Activities in the Territories arrived and expressed (Hebrew) deep sorrow, condolences and speedy recovery for this “terrible act,” noted that the Civil Adminsitation worked to evactuate the injured,  said security forces would do everything in their power to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Yesterday Zakaria and Rabbi Ascherman were working to remove roadblocks not allowing Palestinians to travel on the Hawara-Jit road, in order to prevent confrontations. This was punishing the victims, but showed that security forces were trying to deal with the possibility of violence. Duma is located not far from the Shilo Valley area, where there is a lot of violence. However, it is off the beaten path a bit, and not anywhere near Beit El. The approach to the homes from the main road is a dirt path. Photos by Zakaria Sadah, RHR field worker.

Rabbis for Human Rights strongly condemns this action, expresses its deepest condolences to the family,  wishes them a speedy and full recovery,  and is extremely proud of our worker Zakaria for the assistance he provided in this terrible situation.

The post Horrific price tag arson kills baby and seriously injures three appeared first on Rabbis for Human Rights.

This morning RHR Rabbis Rabbi Arik Ascherman, Rabbi Nava Hefetz, and Rabbi Sivan Malkin-Maas met up with RHR Palestinian field worker Zakaria Sadah and visited the village of Duma for a condolence call.  On Friday two homes were burned in an arson attack resulting in the the death of a toddler and the severe injuries of his mother, father and older brother.

RHR has also arranged a delegation of rabbis for visit the injured being treated in Israeli hospitals. There is currently a group in Tel HaShomer, while two additional groups will go to Soroka in Beer Sheva later today. If you are a rabbi interested in joining, you can contact our office at 02 648 2757 for additional information.

Related:

RHR’s response to the attack in Duma

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PRESS RELEASE | AUGUST 2 2015

 

Same Old Games: After Condemning Jewish Violence Friday, Security Forces Permit it on Saturday 

 

Rabbis for Human Rights: One day after the Israeli security forces condemned murderous violence against Palestinians,  they protect violent settlers near Qusra.  

 

On Saturday violent far-right activists came from the outpost of Esh Kodesh (“Holy Fire”) to a plot of land cultivated by Palestinian farmers from the village of Qusra. The area is classified “Area B”  and is under  Palestinian civilian control. There is no Israeli administered “state land” present, and there is no legitimate debate regarding ownership of the land the Palestinians  were attempting to work on. Despite it being Shabbat, the right-wing extremists attacked Palestinian farmers in front of Israeli army soldiers, preventing the farmers from completing their agriculture work.  The situation developed into a violent confrontation, and the soldiers present did not try to stop the right-wing extremists, but rather offered them protection.  Later, after the situation had de-escalated, a member of the police attacked Palestinians with a taser gun without cause.

 

 

Clearly, the lessons of the murder of 18 month old  Ali Dawabshe have yet to be learned.

 

RHR opposes any form of violence while condemning the Israeli security forces’ actions of tacitly permitting violence against Palestinian farmers by Jewish extremists. This behavior is especially egregious since it occurred in Area B.  Only one day after the shocking murder of a Palestinian toddler in the village of Duma, the army’s refusal to respond appropriately to violence by Jewish extremists demonstrates that no lessons have been learned as a result of Ali’s death. Israeli authorities must act decisively and strongly against Jewish violence and terror.

 

While it is natural that the security forces may identify more with their own people, procedures regarding law enforcement in situations involving violent Israelis must be clearly laid out and consistently implemented.

 

Photos by Zakaria Sadah, RHR field worker

The post After Condemning Jewish Violence Friday, Security Forces Permit it Saturday appeared first on Rabbis for Human Rights.

Summer camp for the children of the Jahalin community Abu Nawahr (next to Maale Adumim) has begun! RHR is working this year in two different locations  (Abu Nawahr 1 and Abu Nawahr 2), with the possibility for one additional program at the encampment El Muntar. The total number of children attending is about 85, and the camp will run for two weeks , meeting three mornings a week.

RHR is running the camp with an extremely low budget and thanks our seven volunteers (two Israelis, the others are summer interns at RHR), as well as the Comboni nuns who supply drinks and snacks for the children; RHR supplies some basic arts and crafts materials.

Tragically, the children of the Abu Nawahr encampment are currently under the threat of demolitions and expulsion to Azaria on August 7th.

The girl won the race.

This one Rabbi Grenimann won – 20 push-ups in the heat!

RHR intern Kasia from the University of Notre Dame dancing with the children

Photos by Sister Agnese of the Comboni Order

RELATED:

Learn more about our work the Jahalin community

Photos from a recent trip to the sea for the Jahalin children

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RHR has been assisting in handling the situation in Duma - the site of the horrific arson attack on Friday which killed a toddler and critically injured his family - since our Palestinian field worker, Zakaria Sadah, was one of the first on the scene, and helped coordinate the helicopter evacuation of the family to Israeli hospitals. Yesterday, Rabbi Ascherman and other RHR rabbis visited the site and later Soroka hospital, where the injured father is being treated. Please find his writings on the day below:

Sorrow punctuated by sorrow: On the Murder in Duma

Rabbi Arik Ascherman

I had already been shocked to the depths of my soul seeing the pictures on Friday. But, when you arrive at the burnt houses in Duma, the smell hits you. You feel and hear a family’s world turned to coal crunching beneath your feet. Everything seems calm in Duma. The family tells us the story matter of factly without tears or raising their voices in anger. Yet, we know that unfathomable pain and anger are seething just beneath the surface. And I know that I cannot wear my kippa, and we cannot travel around without escort. Is this what we returned to Zion for? In addition to Zakaria, I am accompanied by Rabbis Nava Hefetz and Sivan Malkin-Maas.

Zakaria Sadah, Rabbis Navah Hefetz and Sivan Malkin-Maas, a family member and myself in the Dawabshe home

Mourning tent in Duma

From Duma, we continue to Mreyer, where on Saturday Israelis tried to invade. They were forced to flee by the villagers, and an army hummer picked them up. Shorly after, a fire broke out on the villages agricultural lands. I have always travelled cautiously but freely in Mreyer. Today I was told that it would not be safe to travel unaccompanied. The anger was too great. Neither have the supporters of the settlers calmed down after having extracted a price of blood and destruction. In this region unquenchable anger is pitted against unquenchable anger, for all know that THEY are the victims. This does not mean that all is symmetrical or balanced. There is a people with all the power in their hands, including the power to determine the fate of another people. But all remind me of Yehuda Amichai’s poem, “From the place where we are right flowers will never grow in the spring…”

Burnt Mreyer agricultural land

On the way to Soroka hospital we hear the bitter tidings that Shira Banki will see no more flowers in this world.

In the Soroka intensive care waiting room we meet with the family. I am glad to see my friend Sahde Ibn Bari there, whom I know from the struggles of the Negev Bedouin community, and who will be my lawyer when I go on trial on November 10th for my arrest in El-Araqib. I know the family will be taken care of. There wasn’t much we could say to each other I offered Mi Sh’Berakh prayers for Saed, Riham and Ahmed. Instead of “amen” after each Mi Sh’Berakh, the family answered “Allah Kareem.” Let’s all pray for them.

With me were Rabbis Yehiel Grenimann, Anita Steiner, Mordechai Goldberg, Yonatan Saidoff and Donna Kirschenbaum.

Rabbi Mordechai Goldberg, Attorney Ibn Bari and I am with the Dawabshe family in the Soroka Hospital, where Saed is in intensive care

Rabbi Yehiel Grenimann, Attorney Ibn Bari, and Rabbi Mordechai Goldberg with the Dawabshe family at Soroka hospital

Rabbis Yonatan Seidoff, Anita Steiner and Donna Kirschenbaum with the Dawabshe family at Soroka Hospital

Finally, we joined a Bedouin community vigil outside the hospital. We hadn’t known that it would be taking place, and the police didn’t quite know what to do with the Jews that had suddenly arrived. I wasn’t entirely comfortable with some of the words spoken and chanted, such as that all our government ministers are war criminals. When I spoke, I noted that all of our leaders had condemned this act, but that they had created a “golem sh’kam al yotzro” (A Frankenstein monster that had turned on its creator.” I prayed for a world in which no people rules over another, and in which we all honor God’s Image in every human being. Again, I recalled Yehuda Amichai….

Bedouin community vigil outside Soroka Hospital

Read RHR’s statement on the murder at Duma

The post Sorrow punctuated by Sorrow: On the Murder in Duma appeared first on Rabbis for Human Rights.

The following photo of RHR Palestinian field worker Zakaria Sadah (blue checkered shirt) went “viral” and was shared widely online (mostly Hebrew) without proper context or understanding.  This situation has resulted in the vilification of our worker by settlers and some Palestinians. Please see below for the story behind the  photo.

This photo was taken when settlers had been attempting to prevent Palestinians of the village Kusra from working their agricultural lands. A settler accused a Palestinian of throwing stones, and the police attempted to make arrests of Palestinians and began using a taser gun.  The Palestinians began throwing stones and the female officer froze and remained crying between the two sides after the Israeli security forces had moved. Believing she was in a danger, another Israeli officer prepared to shoot at Palestinians. Zakaria shouted “don’t shoot” and he and the mayor of Kusra escorted the policewoman back to the other Israeli security forces.

The incident has resulted in trouble for Zakaria who is being vilified by settlers who know his name, and by other Palestinians who only saw him returning the officer without knowing the full context. Zakaria was also injured when trying to flee from the settlers.

Zakaria received the first call at 2:15am early Friday morning informing him of the horrific arson attack in Duma. He was one of the first on the scene, and helped arrange helicopter evacuations for the critically injured family to Israeli hospitals. RHR is extremely proud of the work that Zakaria does.

RELATED

RHR’s response to the arson at Duma

Read account of the full incident at Kusra 

The post The story behind the photo appeared first on Rabbis for Human Rights.

On July 27 2015, RHR brought fifty-five Jahalin Bedouin kids, and teachers (and the two nuns Aziza and Agnes) to spend the day at the sea in Tel Aviv. The group came from Anata, where RHR has been working for many years.

Rabbi Grenimann writes:

“We went to the Tel Baruch beach and then to Yafo, where we were guests of the wonderful Machsom Watch women, and of the local Arab community center.

After a very difficult beginning the day became a fun day for all involved, particularly these Bedouin who, with one exception, had never been to the sea before!

We set out – the nuns, two RHR volunteers (joined by another at the beach), and ten from Operation Groundswell (a Canadian NGO that volunteers with RHR’s Jahalin summer camp each year) group at about 7am, only to be held up at Shuafat checkpoint for more than an hour. I came through the checkpoint turnstiles with the group, which freaked out the soldiers at first. We had the necessary permits but because not everyone showed up, and because two accompanying teachers not from Anata were told they must go through at Kalandia, the border guards were really tough, standing everyone, including children,  against the  wall, confiscated i.ds, and only after argument, my being detained, and speaking to a decent senior officer called Amir (dati) were we allowed through.”

Related:

Photos and details from RHR’s summer camp for Jahalin children

More on RHR’s work with the Jahalin Bedouin

The post A fun day at the beach: Jahalin children visit Tel Aviv beach with RHR appeared first on Rabbis for Human Rights.

Suspicions that the recent arson attack in the Palestinian village of Duma was committed by Jewish terrorists has resulted in calls for the use of tools such as administrative detention to be used against suspected perpetrators. 

Rabbis for Human Rights opposes the use of administrative detention against suspected Jewish terrorists

Although RHR does call for the authorities to take strong measures against Jewish terror, such must be done in-line with due process, human rights and Jewish tradition. Utilizing tools that violate the democratic rights of suspects such as administrative detention is surely not the way to change the culture of violence produced by society. Such measures are dangerous to all of us, and although they might solve a short term problem, only perpetuate a culture without regard for human rights . This, of course, ends up becoming a much bigger problem in the long run. We say: Either present evidence or release.

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The Jahalin Bedouin people living in Abu Nawahr are currently under the immediate threat of demolitions and expulsion. Following is an update from Rabbi Yehiel Grenimann, director of RHR’s work involving the Jahalin, on the current situation. 

People from the Abu Nawahr Jahalin Bedouin community (where we are helping  to run a summer camp this week and next) were invited by the Civil Administration of the IDF to Bet El to discuss plans to relocate them to land opposite the Jahalin Jabel between Abu Dis and Azaria. They did not attend that meeting but meanwhile many “stop-work” and demolition orders (about forty) were handed to them recently and they are fearful that the army will soon start a new wave of demolitions in their area. The orders were dated for August 7th. These encampments are near Ma’ale Adumim,  inside the area mapped out for the planned separation barrier to encompass the Jewish settlement.

These folks are among the poorest Bedouin – many of whom have been sitting there since before Ma’ale Adumim was built (others moved there when Ma’ale Adumim was expanded at their expense about a decade ago.) If these demolitions are  implemented, it would be their third expulsion as they are refugees originally from the Tel Arad area of the Negev. There are 72 families and 2,500 sheep and goats who are threatened. The same children who appeared here in pictures from our summer camp activities with whom we play, dance and draw are in danger of becoming homeless without a roof over their heads if the bulldozers come in the near future.

Please write to the Civil Administration and members of Knesset expressing your opposition to this planned destruction of their community.

RELATED:

History of the Jahalin and what RHR’s work protecting them

Rabbi Yehiel Grenimann

The post Jahalin Bedouin of Abu Nawahr threatened with expulsion appeared first on Rabbis for Human Rights.

LISTEN NOW: Rabbi Ascherman, president and senior rabbi of RHR, interviewed about the arson in Duma and threat of Jewish extremism for South Africa’s Voice of the Cape radio station.

RELATED:

RHR’s account and statement on the arson attack in Duma

RHR rabbis pay condolence visit to the village of Duma

Sorrow punctuated by sorrow: Rabbi Ascherman on the murder in Duma

The post “We’ve created a beast that is turning on everyone now”: Rabbi Ascherman on Voice of the Cape appeared first on Rabbis for Human Rights.

Rabbis for Human Rights mourns the murder of Sa’ad Dawabshe one week after sustaining serious injuries in an arson attack that killed his 18 month old son, and seriously injured his wife and other son. We continue to pray for the recovery of his wife and son, still in serious condition in the hospital.

Salad Dawabshe’s brother at the hospital

RHR is heartened by the condemnation of this heinous act by our president, prime minister, chief rabbis and by citizens from almost the entire political spectrum. We fervently hope that they and the police are doing everything in their power to bring the perpetrators to justice, but oppose the use of administrative detention. The accused should have the right to confront the evidence against them.

RHR proposes that, as a society, we move beyond words of regret to educational programs against violence implemented in all sectors of Israeli society while respecting freedom of speech and thought; incitement and teaching hate must be vigorously and determinedly stamped out.

RELATED:

Horrific arson attack kills baby and injures three

Rabbis pay condolence visit to village after fatal arson attack

Sorrow Punctuated by Sorrow: Rabbi Ascherman on the Murder in Duma and Rabbis Visit the Hospitalised Victims 

The post Rabbis for Human Rights mourns the murder of Sa’ad Dawabshe appeared first on Rabbis for Human Rights.

A photograph taken by Israeli photographer Shaul Golan showing Rabbis for Human Rights’ Palestinian field worker, Zakaria Sadah, the mayor of the Palestinian village Kusra, and an Israeli policewoman has been shared thousands of time online, and been featured in a number of media publications.

Image by Shaul Golan

The photo shows Zakaria and the mayor of Kusra protecting the frightened Israeli policewoman during a conflict between Palestinians from Kusra and settlers from the outpost of Esh Kodesh.  The video of the incident can be seen below, while the full story can be read here (as some of the news outlets did not report the specifics correctly). 

Below is a (non-comprehensive) round-up of English media covering this incident. 

Two Palestinian men called “traitors” after they protected a female Israeli police officer during a violent confrontation
The Blaze, Sharona Schwartz, August 3 2015

A picture of hope and courage
Times of Israel blog, Roi Ben- Yehuda, August 4 2015

Were Palestinians really protecting Israeli policewoman from settlers?
Israellycool, Aussie Dave, August 5th 2015

Israeli policewoman protected by Palestinians as settlers throw rocks at authorities
The Independent, Michael Segalov, August 6 2015

Here’s why these Palestinians protected an Israeli policewoman
The Huffington Post, Katie Sola, August 7 2015

Photo of Palestinian men protecting Israeli policewoman goes viral
Al Arabiya News, August 7 2015

Photo of Palestinians protecting Israeli policewoman goes viral
I24 news, August 8 2015

Photo of Palestinian men protecting Israeli policewoman goes viral
Middle East Monitor, August 8th 2015 (From Al Arabiya news)

Related:

Full explanation from Rabbis for Human Rights on the context of the photo

Full details on the incident near Kusra 

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With army coordination, Palestinian farmers from Kusra were able to develop land in Area B yesterday (August 10 2015) after being prevented from doing so last week by settlers. The settlers, who came from the nearby outpost Esh Kodesh,  shouted and stood in front of the equipment  which led to a confrontation between settlers, the Palestinians and the Israeli authorities. 

Although Rabbis for Human Rights is pleased that the army fulfilled their obligation to allow Palestinian farmers to work  while also demonstrating without a shadow of a doubt that we are talking about lands in Area B (where they have no authority to stop land development),  we continue to strive for a situation where Palestinians can work the land without the need of security and where there is a separatation  between the right for security and the requirement for security. Based on past experience, we are concerned that the security forces will see this incident as setting a precedent requiring  coordination in this area going forward; rather, the decision of whether to coordinate or not with the army should be in the hands of the Palestinians.

RELATED:

After condemning Jewish violence Friday,  authorities permit it Saturday

The post After being prevented last week by settlers, Palestinian farmers successfully work land appeared first on Rabbis for Human Rights.

The Jahalin children at RHR’s summer camp in Abu Nawahr 1 and Abu Nawahr 2  were treated this week to a music workshop run by Danny Felsteiner Mekori of Musicians without Borders.

Danny  played music with children and taught them new songs. He brought them instruments to use, but they also used their own instruments which they created with RHR staff and volunteers earlier this week.  It was a great workshop, and the children loved it! What a musical bunch!

Photos by Kasia Przybyła

RELATED:

Jahalin Bedouin of Abu Nawahr faced with imminent demolitions 

PHOTOS: Summer camp at Abu Nawahr

General informati0n on the Jahalin Bedouin and RHR’s work with them

The post Photos: Music workshop with Jahalin Bedouin children appeared first on Rabbis for Human Rights.

With the arrival of the Jewish month of Elul – a month dedicated to repentance before the High holidays – Tag Meir is organizing a selichot prayer event at the Sheba-Tel HaShomer hospital, where Riham and Achmed Dawabshe are being treated. Two weeks ago they were critically injured in an arson attack, believed to be perpetrated by Jewish extremists,  that killed the father of the family and their toddler son.

The prayer session will be held Monday at 17:30, at the Sheba- Tel HaShomer hospital. 

Facebook event page

More on the Tag Meir Coalition 

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Last week saw the end of RHR’s two week summer camp for the Jahalin children of Abu Nawahr. It was an extremely successful session, and everyone – including our volunteers and teachers – had a marvellous time. 

On the last day of camp, the group played games, sang songs, and danced together. The volunteers asked the children to share or draw their favorite memories or favourite things about the summer camp. Some of the artwork is shown below – what a talented group!

After camp ended, the volunteers and the Comboni Sisters were treated  by village teachers to a special, delicious lunch!

RHR thanks all of our dedicated volunteers and staff, the children of Abu Nawahr, the Comboni Sisters, and the village itself for a wonderful summer!

Drawing by Jahalin child depicting herself with two volunteers

RELATED:

Jahalin Bedouin of Abu Nawahr threatened with expulsion

Photos: Music workshop with Jahalin children

Photos: Summer camp at Abu Nawahr

Learn more about RHR’s work with the Jahalin Bedouin 

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From Free Jerusalem:

SIX YEARS TO THE STRUGGLE IN SHEIKH JERRAH-AND THE STRUGGLE AGAINST THE JUDAISATION OF JERUSALEM CONTINUES!  

“Jarrah22″ by תמרה. Licensed under Attribution via Commons

Six years ago began the struggle against the evacuation of families from their homes by organized settlers, which manage to do so by an unequal usage of laws about the property following the 1948 war.

The successful struggle stopped any further evacuations in Sheikh Jerrah but could not do so for the entire city. The settlers’ organization discover new and awful ways to take control of more and more property in neighborhoods like Silwan and the Muslim Quarter. In other places the city hall confiscates the lands that meant for development ; the separation wall was build inside the city to maintain an absolute  Jewish majority.

In Sheikh Jerrah itself the trails about the different houses are about to be opened soon.  In these days the tension is rising and the level of violence is again going up.

We will not allow the racist discrimination!

We won’t have privileges for Jews only!

We will not let the settlers expropriate steal and control!

On Friday, 4.9, at 16:00 we will meet in the protest square in Sheikh Jarrah, where activists from different neighborhoods of East Jerusalem will tell us about the situation there. 

Facebook event

Come to express solidarity with their struggles and put the limit to the racism, the occupation and continuing inequality in Jerusalem!

TRANSPORTATION:

-For Jerusalemites: we shall meet at 15:45 in the Shimon Hatzadik light railway station.

-For Tel Avivians and others: There will be a bus leaving at 15:00 from the Central Train Station (Arlozorov), in a contribution of 30 shekels. You must register for the bus here:

The post FRIDAY: Six years of struggle against the expropriation of Sheikh Jarrah and E. Jerusalem! appeared first on Rabbis for Human Rights.