Photos taken by Aizaria Council on visit of HJFP members.

The wall cuts through town centre making shopping centre derelict. Unemployment in Aizaria is now 65%. The World Bank has identified closures (internal & external) for the huge damage done to the Palestinian economy in recent years and the poverty that followed. Israel as the occupying power has the responsibility for the welfare of civilians but instead it uses its power to stifle the economy.

The Mayor, Issam Faroun (White Jacket), walks to gap in wall where people plead with soldiers to be let through to work, relatives etc. Mayor shows his proof of office but is denied access by soldiers. Israel issues permits to all Palestinians confining them to their own localities. They can move through checkpoints (200+ in the West Bank) only when special dispensation is sought and granted from the occupying army. Freedom of movement in South Africa was never as bad as this.

The wall across road to Jerusalem. Some climb over side at risk from Israeli soldiers, others go through church grounds helped by the Passionate Friars who refuse to co-operate with Israeli soldiers. One man was beaten by soldiers here in May 2006 (since our visit) and later died of his wounds The other side has Palestinian hospitals, schools and larger institutions where many from Aizaria would normally work and receive health , education & other services.

Malle Adumim on hilltop. Israel is confiscating all this land leaving none for badly needed development in Aizaria. This is armed robbery that Israel has been engaged in since 1948 all over original Palestine. The Malle Adumin block divides the West Bank south from north. See Map.

Protest against the apartheid wall in Aizaria. Protesting is very dangerous in the occupied West Bank Many have been shot doing just that.

Photo taken from handbook of Aizaria Council.