16 December 2010 | International Solidarity Movement
Today in Jerusalem, the Daoudi family appeared at their first court hearing to defend themselves against forced eviction. The Daoudis live in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of Palestinian East Jerusalem where Israeli settlers are seeking to illegally evict and displace Palestinian residents from their homes. According to the UN, of the approximately 2,800 Palestinian residents in Sheikh Jarrah, more than 60 have lost their homes and 500 are at risk of forced eviction.
Earlier this year on April 6, the Nahalat Shimon Company filed civil eviction proceedings to force the Daoudi family from their home. The Daoudis have lived in their home in Sheikh Jarrah since 1956, when the land was a Jordanian refugee camp for Palestinians. The family was displaced from West Jerusalem, and came to East Jerusalem as refugees.
Today, 15 supporters packed the courtroom before officials refused to allow any more to enter. Additional supporters waited outside. ISM and EAPPI members were in attendance.
The two sides did not discuss any of the substantive issues today. The Daoudi’s lawyers requested 60 days to present questionnaires and request documents.
A date for the next hearing has not been set, but an announcement is expected within the next couple days.