An interfaith agency has warned of plans to build a “Jewish holy city” on the remains of the area of Silwan threatened with demolition. The Islamic-Christian Commission in Support of Jerusalem and Holy Sites issued the warning in response to statements made by Nir Barakat the Mayor of occupied Jerusalem, who said that the municipality will demolish all homes in Silwan which were built without permits, leaving hundreds of Palestinian families homeless.
According to the Commission, the occupying Israeli authorities are basing their action on what is seen as an “extremist Torah-based vision”. The Commission’s statement went on, “The occupation authorities view Silwan village as the city of David, and it is this ideology that has driven them to have the capacity and strength to control the area.” Hence, there are now more than sixty settlers’ enclaves in Silwan, including religious institutes for religious Jews, homes, parks, apartment blocks and car parks, most of which are concentrated in Wadi Hilwa in Silwan. The location was chosen because of the belief that a Jewish “state” was established in Wadi Hilwa 3000 years ago.
The Commission warns against the building of a “Jewish holy city” on the rubble of the homes of Palestinian families threatened with demolition south of Al-Aqsa Mosque. Reports claim that at least seven tunnels have been constructed beneath Silwan, some of which have reached the foundations of the perimeter wall of the Mosque and the Buraq (“wailing”) Wall. The digging is ongoing and has caused a number of building collapses in Silwan. The Commission believes that this is clear evidence of the Israelis’ aim “to increase Jewish control over Jerusalem and over its Muslim and Christian holy sites, especially the Old City and Al-Aqsa Mosque, leading to its eventual demolition and clearing the ground for a Jewish Temple in its place”.
Source: Quds Press
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