You probably know of Sheikh Jarrah, the neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem, from the headlines. Tensions escalated last year during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan when the Israeli Supreme Court was scheduled to hear arguments concerning a lower court’s decision greenlighting the expulsion of Palestinian residents from their homes.
Now, as Ramadan begins this year, I’d like to invite you to read Defense for Children International – Palestine’s new photo essay, featuring 17-year-old Khalil, who lives in Sheikh Jarrah. Khalil takes us through his daily life in Sheikh Jarrah, which he calls a “big prison.” Click on any of the photos in this email to read the photo essay.
Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah have been embroiled in a decades-long struggle with Israeli settlers who claim ownership of the Palestinian homes and are trying to expel the Palestinian residents. “This has been the situation since I was born, and I am fully aware of it,” Khalil said.
The unstable and unsafe situation in the neighborhood complicates Khalil’s daily life and creates difficulties. He fears that settlers could attack his family at any time.
Last June, Israeli forces assaulted, detained, and placed Khalil under house arrest. “[During my house arrest], I tried my best to fill my day with different activities, and I would often sit in the yard so that I would not feel I was locked inside the house and forbidden to go out,” Khalil said. “I would get up in the morning and have breakfast. Then I would go to my room and practice boxing.”
Palestinian children living in Sheikh Jarrah and other areas where families face risk of forcible expulsion deserve futures where they can pursue their education, live comfortably with their families, and wake up each day without fear that an Israeli settler may try to take over their home. Thank you for reading our latest photo essay and supporting Palestinian children’s rights.
In solidarity,
Ayed Abu Eqtaish
Accountability Program Director
Defense for Children International – Palestine
