|
Planting of Thyme is resistance to Israelis in the South Hebron Hills Hebron International Resources Network (HIRN) supplied and planted 3000 Zatar/Thyme plants in Umm El Khair, one of Palestine's most vulnerable villages, in an act of resistance against the Israeli occupation.  The village of Umm el Khair is in the South Hebron Hills. The village was created in 1952 and is home to 130 Bedouin who are refugees from the creation of the State of Israel in 1948. The ground is prepared for planting.  A Palestinian boy sits on the remains of one of the demolished buildings in the village of Umm el Khair. In October 2014 five structures were demolished by the Israeli military including the taboun which bakes bread.  HIRN raised funds for and provided 3000 plants to the community, planting was delayed due to heavy snowfall in the region.  Children from the village load the truck with the Zatar plants.  A human chain is formed to load the plants onto the truck. All ages are involved.  Zatar is used in the making of tea, to flavour foods and as an accompaniment to bread and olive oil. It is generally mixed with other spices and is a commonly used throughout Palestine.  Locals prepare to plant the bushes. Zatar is widely used in Palestine and can be sold for ￡3 per kilo. HIRN plan to purchase a grinder for the village as more money can be made from the Zatar after grinding.  The plants have to be driven a mile in a truck and then carried down a steep mountain face to be planted. HIRN relies on donations from international individuals to provide assistance to vulnerable communities in the West Bank.  The villagers prepare the irrigation system from a well to water the plants.  The plants need to be carried down a steep mountain to the land chosen for planting.  The team cross fields and walk a long way in the baking heat to get to the field to plant.  Another 3000 plants were planted in the village last year. HIRN is fundraising to provide more as this can be a long term and sustainable income for the residents.  The Israeli settlement of Carmel has been built in close proximity to the village. As a result, local Palestinians suffer from frequent settler attacks as well as persistent home demolitions by the Israeli military.  Villagers gather to prepare for the planting. Tents and structures donated by international aid agencies have also been demolished by Israeli forces.  The Israeli settlement of Carmel sits next to the village. Applications for Palestinians to build and expand must be approved by the Israeli authorities and it is rare that permits are issued. 2 homes in the village currently have stop work orders.  Palestinian families in the village are excluded from major grids such as electricity and water. Israeli settlements in the area continue to expand enjoying the local resources.  The villagers are are a traditional Bedouin herding and farming community.  Often Palestinian farmers are subjected to violence from Israeli settlers in the South Hebron Hills and international observers accompany them to provide a protective presence.  HIRN has helped the community with legal processes and fees, helping them to open a file with the Civil Administration department to appeal the home demolitions.  The village kindergarten is now able to host children from other villages. HIRN has coordinated donations from internationals to pay for and provide transport to those who would otherwise have no education and pupils have increased from 10 to 40.
|
Artikel Terpanas Minggu ini |
ADVERTISEMENT
43961
43
Hot Topic