Alice Kisiya is a courageous Christian activist from Beit Jala, Al-Makhrour Valley. Alice has become a powerful symbol of resistance against the illegal expansion of settlements and the relentless violation of Palestinian rights. They have cherished their family’s ancestral land in Al-Makhrour, for over 40 years. It has been the battleground for their ongoing struggle for justice.
On July 31, armed occupation settlers, supported by military forces, forcibly seized the Kisiya family’s land, evicting her family. Despite this violent displacement, Alice has remained steadfast in her commitment to reclaiming their property and preserving their heritage.
In 2017, the settlers attempted to seize Kisiya’s home and they went to court. They finished the legal battle in 2023, in which they could not prove that the land belonged to them. They have documents from 2014 from the civil administration that this land belonged to them. This was not the first time their house and restaurant were demolished, in fact, it was demolished more than 20 times. She called the police and instead of helping her, they arrested her brother.
The Larger Picture:
The Kisiya family’s struggle is part of a larger pattern of illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank. The occupation government’s policies has been exacerbated the settlers effort of taking Palestinian land. This expansion not only displaces families but also threatens the very existence of culturally significant sites. Al-Makhrour, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, faces increasing danger from these developments. This has endanger the site’s historical and environmental integrity.
Alice’s activism has not been without personal cost. Following the destruction of her family’s home and restaurant in 2019 and a protracted legal battle that drained their resources—Alice remains undeterred. Her efforts reflect a profound commitment to justice and a refusal to be silenced.
The Occupation’s Destruction:
The occupation’s government’s recent approval of the Nahal Heletz settlement, which threatens to destroy over 150 acres of the UNESCO-listed Land of Olives and Vines. Thus highlights the urgent need for global attention and action. Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s finance minister, has openly dismissed international criticism and vowed to continue settlement expansion, further entrenching the violations of international law.
Solidarity Camp:
The Kisiya family established a solidarity camp to highlight their plight and allow visitors to witness the threats they face from settlers firsthand. On August 8, 2024, the settlers targeted the camp settlers, under the protection of the Israeli military. On this occasion, the family received support from a Jewish organization that helped defend them against the violent attackers.
Alice Kisiya’s bravery and dedication highlight the ongoing resistance against the illegal settlements and the broader struggle for Palestinian rights. As she continues to fight for her family’s land and the preservation of their heritage, her story serves as a poignant reminder of the broader issues at stake in the quest for justice and human dignity in the occupied territories.