Organizations on the Ground

Notes

Established on January 5, 2006, Beit Surik Women’s Center conducts various cultural, social, health, and heritage activities that promote the participation of women in the community. It also sponsors activities that promote the social inclusion of people with disabilities. 

Notes

The center was founded by a small number of local women in 2002 to improve women’s status, including combatting early marriage and illiteracy, encouraging higher education among women, and achieving genuine gender equality and women’s participation in decision-making.

Self-funded, the center opened a class for women who wanted to continue their high school education. Many of these women went on to graduate from Palestinian colleges.

Notes

Burj al-Luqluq Social Center Society was established in 1991 on almost nine acres of land owned by two Palestinian families in the Bab Hutta neighborhood in the Old City. In 1989, Israel wanted to build a Jewish settlement on this land; Palestinian Jerusalemites were determined to protect their land, which is also the only open space inside the Old City of Jerusalem where Palestinian children could play, and adults could enjoy the outdoors. In fact, it is the largest open space in the Old City after the al-Aqsa compound. They declared the area a sports and social club, and, after a showdown, forced the Israeli prime minister to cancel the planned settlement. 

The name “Luqluq” derives from a governor named Luqluq who ruled during the Mamluk period. 

Today, the society serves women and children by offering sports and educational and social activities.

Notes

Silwan is a Palestinian village, located immediately south of the Old City that encompasses multiple neighborhoods, including al-Bustan. The area, which falls within the so-called Holy Basin, has been a particular target of fierce efforts by the state and settlers to displace the indigenous Palestinian population.

Al-Bustan association was established to address the threat of demolition and eviction orders for dozens of families in al-Bustan neighborhood, the widespread arrests of children, the absence of playgrounds and parks, systemic negligence by the municipality, and the deteriorating economic situation.