© Haya Abushkhaidem pour Action contre la Faim
Headline
Water network turns an abandoned community into a green oasis
Al-Issawiya is a small Palestinian village in northeast Jerusalem. The total land area of Al-Issawiya is approximately 9,400 dunams. However, Palestinians are allowed to live on only 8% of this land, as Government of Israel restricts building and expansion outside the historically urbanized area (pre-1967).
The urbanized section is under the jurisdiction of the Jerusalem Municipality that it is a branch of the Israeli municipal administration so is under Israeli control. Only 28% of Al-Issawiya lies within the boundaries of the Jerusalem Municipality, including lands confiscated by the Government of Israeli, on which it constructed a university, settlement units, and a park. The remaining land, 72% (known as Rawabi Al-Issawiya), is classified as Area C in the West Bank, so that it is also fully Israeli-controlled/annexed territory. These two parts of Al-Issawiyya are separated by the Annexation and Separation Wall, significantly hindering Palestinian access to their lands.
Rawabi Al-Issawiya lands have long been neglected because they are difficult to access. As such, there remains a lack of infrastructure, including water supply and roads, and construction is prohibited. A couple of Bedouin communities have settled on a small part of the land, but the landowners of Al-Issawiya only started to visit and maintain their land a few years ago.
Leading by example
Mamoun Moheisin was one of the first people to initiate and invite the residents to return to and cultivate their lands located in Rawabi Al-Issawiyya in Area C. In his attempt to do so, he started with fencing and cultivating his own land, setting an example for many who wanted to follow in his footsteps.
© Haya Abushkhaidem pour Action contre la Faim
“I started growing seasonal vegetables in my land, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, and later I planted olive and grape trees. I would take pictures and show the people around me the result of my work. That motivated them to do the same. These are Area C lands. We can’t build here, but the least we can do is take care of our lands and protect them from being stolen by settlers.”
© Haya Abushkhaidem pour Action contre la Faim
Supporting a community of ambitious landowners
Action Against Hunger has supported Mamoun and the landowners of Rawabi Al-Issawiya in building a new water network and roads in extensive areas of the community.
© Haya Abushkhaidem pour Action contre la Faim
© Haya Abushkhaidem pour Action contre la Faim
While the roads are not yet paved, they have significantly improved access for hundreds of families, allowing them to reach their land more easily. This newfound accessibility has enabled families to fence and cultivate their land, opening new opportunities for growth and development.
© Haya Abushkhaidem pour Action contre la Faim
“Without water and roads, people wouldn’t come back to the area. Therefore, these are the first things I seeked for. Action Against Hunger helped me open a few roads and get water to the community 5 years ago, and that was a real turning point. More and more people have started to visit the area, to get their lands fenced and revived.”
© Haya Abushkhaidem pour Action contre la Faim
© Haya Abushkhaidem pour Action contre la Faim
Returning to the land has also attracted the attention of the youth. Many young people have found an escape in the mountains, away from the crowds of the town. For 25-year-old Khaled (a pseudonym), the land means the future. “I have found my passion and peace in planting and tending my land. I love it when my hard work results in perfect fruit and vegetables.”
© Haya Abushkhaidem pour Action contre la Faim
© Haya Abushkhaidem pour Action contre la Faim
The land has not only incubated plants but has also been a thriving environment for animal husbandry, a luxury not afforded by the limited space in the urban town.
© Haya Abushkhaidem pour Action contre la Faim
For Abu Mahmoud, farming is part of Palestinian rural life. “Being able to spend time taking care of my land, grow fruit and vegetables, and raise cattle is a true blessing.”
© Haya Abushkhaidem pour Action contre la Faim
The people of Rawabi Al-Isaawiyya are determined to open more roads and expand the water network further to not only ensure that more land is accessible, but most importantly, allow people to return to their home.
Occupied Palestinian Territory
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