“Municipality of hope” is what some residents call this building. Today we explore the Zaayem Municipality. It stands as a symbol of local governance. Zaayem is a Palestinian village in the Jerusalem Governorate. It lies three kilometers east of Jerusalem, in the central West Bank.
The Zaayem Municipality serves a village with a rich history. In 2017, the population was 6270. The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics reported this number. Health care for the village is obtained in East Jerusalem. This is according to the Ministry of Health.
After the 1967 Six-Day War, Zaayem fell under Israeli occupation. The 1995 accords divided the land. Around 3.8% was classified as Area B. The remaining 96.2% became Area C.
Israel has taken land from Zaayem. This was to build two Israeli settlements. About 406 dunams went to Ma’ale Adumim. Another 138 dunams were used for Mishor Adumim, an industrial zone.
Zaayem is near Highway 1 to Jerusalem. It is also close to the Zaayem checkpoint. This checkpoint is part of the separation barrier. The Barrier in the Jerusalem area altered life. It impacted East Jerusalem’s geography and economy. It also affected social life. The Barrier separates Palestinian communities. These communities were once connected to the city. Now, some Jerusalem suburbs are walled out.
Access restrictions have been partially eased. A checkpoint allows movement from Jerusalem to Zaayem. This operates around the clock. In March 2015, the checkpoint was replaced with a metal gate. Initially, it was closed for two weeks. Later, it opened for one hour in the morning and three in the afternoon. Since October 2015, it opens three times a day. This increased opening time to eight hours.
When the gate is closed, a detour is necessary. This adds 15 minutes for private vehicles. Trucks face a 30-minute extension. Transportation costs have increased significantly. This has burdened many households.
The Zaayem village council reported many families leaving. These families held Jerusalem ID cards. They left because of access restrictions to East Jerusalem. Since 2000, the village has seen a net outflow. It is estimated at 240 families. This is about 20% of the population.
Depopulation led to more empty homes. Rental fees dropped by 30-35%. Shops in the village have closed down. Those still open report lower revenues. Supplier costs increased because of the detour. One workshop owner said closure paralyzed commercial life. Sales dropped by 70%. A car repair facility laid off workers. Revenue had fallen significantly.
Around 400 children from Zaayem attend schools in At Tur. They must take the detour when the gate is closed. This requires crossing a dangerous highway.
The International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion in 2004. It addressed the construction of the Barrier. The ICJ stated that sections inside the West Bank violated international law. This included areas around East Jerusalem. The ICJ called on Israel to cease construction. It also asked for the dismantling of completed sections. The ICJ wanted all related legislative acts repealed.
Zaayem Municipality stands amid these challenges. It represents the resilience. It shows the determination of its people. It continues to serve its community. It strives for a better future.