by Paivi, South Hebron Hills team

Flags are fluttering in the breeze and the children still play in the little village of Susiya in the South Hebron Hills, but the immediate future is fraught with fears and dangers. The Israeli High Court of Justice has swept aside the last legal obstacles to the complete demolition of this Palestinian village in Area C of the West Bank, under full Israeli control. The threat of displacement has not crushed the villagers’ spirit: rather the four hundred or so residents are doing whatever they can to save their homes.

13/05/15. South Hebron Hills. Residents try to keep their spirits high despite of fears of eviction in the village of Susiya, Photo EAPPI/P. Moore

13/05/15. South Hebron Hills. Children play on swings in the village of Susiya, Photo EAPPI/P. Moore

The village of Khirbet Susiya has existed on this land for centuries, but everything changed in 1986, when archaeologists found “evidence” of an ancient synagogue on the site. The residents were evicted and they sought a new place to live on their own grazing lands nearby. However, an Israeli settlement has been built in the same location, and now the farmers and shepherds of Khirbet Susiya are facing imminent expulsion once again. We EAs are spending days and even nights in the village to monitor the tense situation and provide protective presence.

13/05/15. South Hebron Hills. Flags are fluttering in the village of Susiya, Photo EAPPI/P. Moore

Khirbet Susiya’s residents need your help and support.