Hidden amongst the hills northwest of Bethlehem lies Al- Walaja Local Council. It’s a place where the echoes of history intertwine with the struggles of the present. Al- Walaja was once a thriving agricultural village, its fertile lands nourished by over 20 ancient springs. The village even boasts Al-Badawi-Boom, an ancient olive tree believed to be over 4,000 years old. Imagine the stories this tree could tell.
Al- Walaja’s strategic location, perched 750 meters above sea level, made it a vital link between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. The name itself, al-Walaja, means “the opening” or “a place that passes into or through something,” reflecting its role as a passageway. However, this strategic importance also made it a target.
The 1948 Arab-Israeli War brought devastation to Al- Walaja. The village lost 70% of its land, including vital water sources, to Israel. Many residents were displaced, becoming refugees scattered across the West Bank, Jordan, and Lebanon. Those who remained rebuilt their lives on the remaining land, establishing what is now known as “New Walaja.”
The Six-Day War in 1967 brought further division. Israel annexed half of the remaining land, including the Ain Jawaizeh neighborhood, incorporating it into the Jerusalem Municipality. This created a complex legal situation for the residents of Ain Jawaizeh. They were subject to Israeli law but denied residency rights in Jerusalem and received no municipal services. They were essentially trapped in a legal limbo.
The Oslo II Agreement of 1995 added another layer of complexity. The majority of Al- Walaja’s land was designated as Area C, placing it under full Israeli control. This made it nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain building permits. Home demolitions became a constant threat. Meanwhile, Israeli settlements, like Gilo and Har Gilo, continued to expand on confiscated Al- Walaja land.
The construction of the Separation Wall in the early 2000s further isolated Al- Walaja. The wall encircled the village, cutting it off from neighboring communities and confiscating more agricultural land. Access to resources, like the ‘Ain el-Haniya spring, became severely restricted. This spring, once a source of water and recreation for the villagers, was incorporated into a national park accessible only to Israelis.
Al- Walaja Local Council, established in 1996, struggles to provide services to the community amidst these ongoing challenges. The village, once a symbol of connection and abundance, has become a symbol of fragmentation and dispossession. Yet, the spirit of Al- Walaja endures, as its residents continue to fight for their right to their land, their homes, and their future.