EAPPI join Rabbis for Human Rights in their protest against digging in Silwan

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Staff members of the EAPPI (Ecumenical Accompaniment Program in Palestine and Israel) joined Rabbis for Human Rights on Friday, February 15th, 2008, in their protest against the archeological digging and the illegal expropriation of the land in the Village of Silwan in East Jerusalem.

Some years ago, Elad, an Israeli right wing political organization was given responsibility by the state of Israel to take control of a newly created "national park" in Silwan, which is believed to an important historical site for the Jewish people as, it is claimed, it is the exact site where King David established his kingdom.

Elad, backed by the state and the municipality, has been aggressively campaigning and working for the removal of the Palestinians living in Silwan in order to convert the area into a Jewish neighborhood. Elad have expropriated various public areas and through raising millions of dollars abroad, are planning to take over the remaining lands where Arab houses currently stand.

It has recently been revealed that Elad has been digging various tunnels under Arab houses in the area of Silwan, weakening the foundations. Many residents have recently complained that cracks are appearing on their walls and many fear that their houses will collapse as a result of the digging.

The situation is progressively worsening and some of the Arab residents who have tried to file complaints against the archaeological dig have been arrested. Therefore, the presence and backing from Israeli and International organizations is considered to be of utmost importance to the residents of Silwan in their fight for their land.

Participating organizations included Breaking the Silence, Ta'ayush and the Israeli Committee against House Demolitions.