Israel demolishes vital community center to displace Palestinians
- The Al-Bustan community center was the only public space in Silwan for Palestinian residents.
- The center was originally established with support from the French government and provided essential services for youth.
- Demolishing such centers highlights the ongoing struggle for housing and public space for Palestinians in East Jerusalem.
In East Jerusalem, a critical community center, Al-Bustan, was demolished by Israeli authorities as part of efforts to reshape Palestinian neighborhoods. Located in the Silwan district, the center served as a vital resource for the area's 30,000 Palestinian residents, offering various activities including sports and psychological assistance. The destruction was seen as part of a broader trend of expulsion and demolition, which rights groups argue aims to transform the demographics of the area. Created in 2012 with significant support from the French government and local authorities, the center had fostered international ties and provided recreational facilities for youth. The demolition underscores a growing indifference from the international community towards these shifts in East Jerusalem, leading to increasing tensions among residents facing eviction and legal battles over their homes.