March 13, 2010

Jerusalem burns. Thermometers peaked yesterday around 31 degrees. But Jerusalem is burning not only from the hot Saharan wind, known as the Khamasin, coming in from the desert, but by the rage of its Arab residents over the injustices they face once more. Written by Malika Malini.

Once again, Muslim worshipers aged over 50 were not permitted to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the old city of Jerusalem.

Palestinian men were obliged to pray on stairs in the large square located in front the Damascus gate, the main access to the Muslim quarter. The whole area was severely restricted to Palestinians. Following the imposition of these restrictions, enforced by Israeli authorities, clashes and confrontations were reported between Israeli border police and Palestinians near the entrance of the Mosque.

This attempt to prevent worshippers entering the Temple Mount (Haram al Sharif) area follows a general closure imposed on the West Bank, beginning Friday morning and that will last until Saturday night, completely disrupting the already difficult movement between the Holy City and the West Bank. Over the entire weekend, even Palestinians with legal permits issued by Israeli authorities or holding blue, Jerusalem IDs are not allowed to access Jerusalem.

Further tensions are expected during the following days, leading to further restrictions being imposed on Palestinians. This is due to the next reopening of the Hurva Synagogue, in the Jewish Quarter of the old City. Its re-dedication is scheduled on Monday 15, in the presence of Israeli ministries, members of the Knesset and other dignitaries.

The reconstructed Hurva synagogue, whose name in Hebrew means "ruins", carries great significance for the Jewish community in the old city. The old synagogue, which was one of the most important place of prayer in Jerusalem, was blown up in 1948 by the Jordan legion.

It is likely the dedication of the Hurva Synagogue will also attract Jewish right-wing activists on the site, provoking another escalation of tensions in and around the old city. Perceived threats to the Haram el Sharif site are realistic. Extremist groups have frequently called for supporters to gather and march on the Al-Aqsa compound, most recently during the Jewish festival of Purim.

Israeli policies have already, irrevocably changed the true character of Jerusalem. Racist policies that allow the eviction of Palestinian families, house demolitions and settlement expansion continue to scar the landscape. A recent report published by Chatham House, a world-leading source of independent analysis, refers to Jerusalem as a city close to a process of 'Hebronisation’. Another ghost town, sterilized from the Palestinian presence. Meanwhile, Jerusalem burns.

See the full report issued by Chatham House:
http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id
/835/