al-Khalil (Hebron)

When millions of people are in an open struggle for freedom, the world takes notice. The Green Movement in Iran, the Arab Spring, the Maidan in Ukraine, are just some of the recent challenges to authoritarianism that have drawn global admiration—and headlines. Now it is Hong Kong’s turn.

“Al-Khalil will remain an icon of the resistance to occupation and settlements.” These were the words on one of the placards carried by hundreds of demonstrators in al-Khalil (Hebron) on 26 November. Palestinians marched peacefully from the Russian Orthodox monastery, known locally as al-Maskobiyeh, through the heart of the city. Some of the demonstrators carried their message right up to the line of Israeli soldiers blocking the route through the Bab az-Zawiyah intersection near the Old City.

The season of Jewish holidays that began this year with Rosh Hashanah and ended with Simchat Torah (30 September to 22 October 2019) is a troublesome period for Palestinians in al-Khalil (Hebron). The activities of Israeli settlers in al-Khalil, and of the Israeli military that enables them, are disruptive, discriminatory and violent towards the Palestinians who live in the city.

It’s autumn in Palestine. The olive trees—some of them centuries old—stand ready to provide Palestinian farmers and families another season’s worth of their precious crop.

The Palestinian community of al-Khalil (Hebron) experienced widespread civil disruption on 4 September when incumbent Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Hebron in a scheduled appearance at the Ibrahimi Mosque in the Old City. 

Bader al-Tamimi’s shop stands at the entrance to the Old City of al-Khalil (Hebron). Bader is always there it seems— a warm, dignified, welcoming presence to tourists, residents of al-Khalil members of human rights groups, and fellow craftspeople alike. He offers each a seat and thrusts small cups of coffee or tea into their hands.