Back to reports search page

In the Uja area there is good grazing, but not for the Palestinian flock

Place: Al-'Auja
Observers: Ariel F., Shahar S. (Reporting), Marcia L., Translation
Sep-11-2021
| Morning

Today we escorted the flocks of Umm Rashad, Abu Ismael (in his place, his son, Ashraf), and of his son, Ismael, in the area of Auja.  We were on the northern side of the highway that leads to the Nun-Dlaet Monument, a 1977 Helicopter disaster site. Grazing time was short and quiet. ‎There isn’t a lot of grass. When we went with Umm Rashad to her home in the village of A-Diyuk, she showed us the area covered with grass between the village and the settlement of Mevo’ot Jericho. She expressed how much she would like to graze there, so close to home.  Oren, the Civilian security coordinator (RAVSHATZ) of the settlement, “forbade” them (to graze there). She knows that he does not have the authority to do that, but she is afraid of him. 

After accompanying the shepherds, we went to visit Nadia and Ismael in Nu’eima.  Around their  vegetable garden they’ve planted a Poinciana tree, olives, figs, grapevines, and another poinciana opposite the house.  The plants are irrigated by water they bring to the place.

 

 

 

  • Al-'Auja

    See all reports for this place
    • Al-'Auja

      A large Palestinian town located on Highway 90 about 10 km north of Jericho, which also includes a small refugee camp and an UNRWA school. East of Al-'Auja are many shepherd communities (such as Maharaja and Ras al-Ain) living in shacks. They are frequently attacked by settlers from outposts in the area, including Yitav, Omer Farm and the outskirts of Jericho. The attacks include stealing flocks of sheep, evicting them from grazing areas and violence against the shepherds and the communities' homes. When the army and police are called to the scene, they do nothing, or intervene in favor of the attacking settlers. Valley activists and Checkpoint Watch companies between them have maintained a protective presence in these communities for several years. Uja is located on a large spring from which Israel pumps most of its water for the Valley settlements, and the rest of the water is led to Uja via open canals. These canals are subject to repeated blockage by settlers.

Donate