Beit Ummar – Life Under Occupation; Wed. Nov. 15, 2017. 7-8:30; Highland Center. 3401 W. 29th Ave. Denver 80211

____________________

Colorado Friends: Beit Ummar is a Palestinian town of close to 18,000 people in the West Bank, Occupied Palestine.

According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, in 2016, the town had a population of 17,892 inhabitants. Over 4,800 residents of the town are under the age of 18. Since the Second Intifada (200-2005), unemployment ranges between 60 and 80 percent due mostly to the inability of residents to work in Israel and a depression in the Palestinian economy. A part of the city straddles Road 60 and due to this, several propositions of house demolition have occurred.

Beit Ummar is mostly agricultural and is noted for its many grape vines. This has a major aspect on their culinary tradition of stuffed grape leaves known as waraq al-‘inib and a grape syrup called dibs. Beit Ummar also has cherry, plum, apple and olive orchards.

____________________

Since the Six-Day War in 1967, Beit Ummar has been under Israeli occupation. It is currently located in Areas B (civil affairs administered by the PNA) and C (civil and military affairs controlled by Israel). Located near Hebron, it is a municipality that has experienced the iron hand of Israeli occupation as harshly as any.

A few examples from the Wikipedia description of the town

• Several people in the village have been shot and killed by the Israeli soldiers or settlers during Israeli occupation. In January 2011, 17-year-old Yousef Ikhlayl, was reported shot and killed by Israeli settlers. The Israeli court set released the settlers.
• In August 2014, Hashem Abu Maria was killed by an IDF sharpshooter. Two other Palestinians from Beit Ummar were also shot and killed.
• In April 2015, 27-year-old Ziyad Awad was shot and killed in a demonstration which started after the funeral of his cousin.

The repression continues….

For more information: htak913@gmail.com