The pivotal court ruling regarding the forced displacement of Palestinians in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in East Jerusalem is set to take place on August 2nd.
Why is it important?
This is the final legal proceeding that the families of the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood could take to keep their homes. On that day, the court will decided whether or not the families will be given permission to appeal the previous decision of the central court. That infamous decision upheld the forced expulsion of 13 families from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood.
Following this critical decision, many peaceful protests are scheduled to take place. This in order to reignite international interest that had originally propelled the Palestinian cause. It is important to remember these facts; the court decision itself and the forced expulsion of families from their homes are illegal in the eyes of international law, whether it be in Sheikh Jarrah or other neighborhoods like Silwan, and all over historical Palestine. What some detractors call a “property dispute” is seen by international human rights organizations as an outright vicious violation.
Save Sheikh Jarrah
Activists Muna and Muhammed Al-Kurd spearheaded the #savesheikhjarrah movement, among many young activists in Palestine and all over the world. The movement peaked when Israel raged war on Gaza in May. It has steadily gained steam as activists continue to fight for Palestinian rights. The movement also made it its mission to expose the war crimes of the Israeli occupation.
The entire international community will pay close attention to the court decision on August 2nd. They will also keep their eyes peeled for any actions taken against the families at Sheikh Jarrah.
The odds are historically against Palestinians when it comes to appeals, but despite the illegitimacy of the Israeli court system, the world will be anticipating this ruling and what comes after it.