East Six Voices: Zuheir a-Rajabi

A Palestinian from the village of Silwan, south of the Old City of Jerusalem

What's the story?

Settlers have taken over two buildings in Zuheir’s street, which lies at the heart of Silwan, a densely populated Palestinian village. Their presence gives rise to daily conflict with local residents, who are already stifled by the Jerusalem Municipality’s policy of demolition orders, planning restrictions, and severe neglect. Zuheir decided to set up CCTV cameras around his home to document the frequent clashes with settlers and security forces.

Riots erupt in Silwan

On 22 September 2010, several Palestinians threw stones at a settlers’ security guard driving along Silwan’s main street. The guard shot and killed Samer Sarhan, who was standing with the group. According to the media, the guard said he had feared for his life as his exit path had been blocked. Zuheir’s cameras put this claim in doubt: in footage aired on a central Israeli news channel, they captured the guard driving quickly away from the scene, his path free. The police is investigating the event. The following weeks saw riots in Silwan and violence by security forces. Zuheir’s computer, including all the video footage, was confiscated with no explanation.