Dread Evictions
Families are asked to leave the houses owned by landlords, people other than themselves who have altered plans other than the rental of their properties. A family that has lived for a lengthy period of time in, say, an elderly property owned by someone else, feels affronted that their truly lengthy period of rental of the building is of no value. They take issue at the fact that new owners of the property have decided to live in their house themselves, as is their legal right and due.These unfortunate clashes occur everywhere in the world. But when it happens in Israel, and most particularly in Jerusalem, that ancient city of modern identity-and-ownership-dispute itself, it is considered to be sufficiently newsworthy to be reported upon by Agence France-Presse, and picked up by newspapers around the world. Yet another example where Jews are unfairly targeting Palestinian families.
Chalk up another to the groaning list of social-averse, human-rights-disabling behaviour on the part of Jews, Zionists, Israelis. In the Old City of Jerusalem exists a heritage building. Owned by a Palestinian family who decided to emigrate to the United States decades ago. Another family of Palestinians rented the building and have lived in the century-house since 1936. It is a family of 50, most of whom are aged under 18.
"My grandfather rented this house", according to 50-year old Majid Qarsh. "If they bought the house, that's fine. Congratulations", he says, referring to the new property owners whom he surmises purchased the property in 1987 from the grandchildren of the original owner. "But I have rights here. They can make me pay them rent, but they cannot force me out."
Which seems most peculiar indeed. What has stopped the renting family from purchasing the property, over the years they lived in it as renters? And now that the property, having changed hands, is being considered as a home for the lawful owners, how precisely can the renter interpret the changed circumstances as benefiting him to the extent that he cannot be expected to leave what he does not own?
As things stand, at the moment, court authorities are prepared to adjudicate. The ownership documents will be authenticated, and if they are genuinely legal, a ruling will be made and the eviction may proceed.
At which time Agence France-Presse will have another story to report upon. And the world will again empathize with the unfair treatment of Palestinians by Jews.
Labels: Human Relations, Israel, Justice, Realities
posted by Pieface @ Friday, July 30, 2010
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