Between demolition and emptying homes... Jerusalemite families are forcibly losing their homes
Over the past few days, Jerusalemite families have endured harsh hardship imposed by the occupation municipality, either implementing demolition orders or emptying their homes in preparation for demolition, leaving behind years of exhaustion and memories that have turned to rubble.
Laith Zahaykeh – A Jerusalemite groom who didn't enjoy his home
In the village of Jabal al-Mukabber, Jerusalemite Laith Zahaykeh's dream of building a marital home turned into a nightmare after he was forced to self-demolish his apartment with his own hands.
Laith was preparing to move into his 50-square-meter apartment, which was built in 2018, after his wedding which was scheduled just two months later. However, the municipality issued the final demolition order two weeks ago.
Laith said sadly, "Instead of decorating my home to welcome my new life, I was forced to turn it into rubble."
Mahdi Abbasi - Family home in Silwan reduced to rubble
In the town of Silwan, Mahdi Abbasi was forced to carry out the demolition order himself. His 80-square-meter home, which had been in existence since 2011 and was home to eight members of his family, was demolished.
Abbasi explained that over the past years, he had paid more than 100,000 shekels in building fines and had repeatedly attempted to obtain a permit, but the municipality refused and insisted on demolition.
The Amira family – The final days in their homes
The Amira family began emptying their four homes in the town of Sur Baher, in compliance with the municipality's demolition order before the deadline expired. The homes, built between 1998 and 1999, are home to 13 people and are owned by the father, Ahmed Amira, and his sons, Musab, Moaz, and Mahmoud.
The family explained that over the past years, they had attempted to obtain building permits and had paid fines and court costs amounting to nearly one million shekels, but the municipality insisted on its decision.
The homes range in size from 40 to 70 square meters. After the final decision was issued, the family members are facing difficult challenges in light of the rising rents, forcing some of them to temporarily move in with relatives.
The Derbas and Odeh families – Issawiya
In the village of Issawiya, the Israeli municipality forced the Derbas and Odeh families to self-demolish their homes, to avoid the hefty fines and demolition costs if the municipality crews carried out the demolition.
A systematic policy of self-demolition
These operations are part of the policy of self-demolition and forced home demolitions imposed by the occupation authorities on Jerusalemites. This policy includes their refusal to issue building permits and the imposition of hefty fines. This exacerbates the suffering of families who find themselves faced with two bitter choices: demolish their homes themselves, or pay exorbitant costs to have them demolished by the occupation.
