More 'Biblical Parks'… Al 'Isawiya and At Tur
On November 19, 2011, the Israeli Occupation Authorities announced their intention to build a new 'biblical park' near Mount Scopus and over the lands of Al 'Isawiya and At Tur. Such a park will be build purposefully to serve judization pf the city as well as the Israeli efforts of forging history. The target land is about 700 dunums of uninhabited lands. Most of the lands are owned by families of Al 'Isawiya who used it for cultivating winter crops.
Picture 1-2: target site
Darwish Darwish, a spokesman of Al 'Isawiya people, stated to an LRC observer: 'we stand firm against any plan targeting our lands; we will hold a meeting with the town folks and agree on a plan to protect our lands. We have already assigned a lawyer to follow up the order within the Israeli legal system.'
'4 years ago, we tried to expand the agricultural plot in the area; however, the Israeli Environmental Protection Agency informed us that these lands have already been confiscated and included in a scheme for building a biblical park in it.
6 months back, the EPA showed up and started their operations; however, the locals stood in their way and made them leave; they never came again. Few days ago, we were shocked to hear the announcement of the construction of a biblical park in the area without even informing the owners. They said that there is a 60 days respite for objections. We stand firm against the plan and we will never allow it to be implemented.'
LRC views the Israeli confiscation of lands to serve colonial purposes as a scandalous violation of the International conventions, especially the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. UDHR article 17 states: 'Article 17
1. Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.
2. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.'
