Just south of the Temple Mount is the mixed neighborhood of Silwan. Arab residents have long complained that they are gradually being pushed out of the area. Governmental and quasi-governmental agencies have expropriated lands as for archaeological sites.
RHR Israel reports:
The State of Israel has given the full responsibility and control over the archaeological sites in Silwan to Elad, an Association dedicated to the Judaization of Silwan. Elad has created a method of expelling citizens from their properties, appropriating public areas, enclosing these lands with fences and guards, and banning the entrance of the local residents.
Elad monitors and executes aggressive archaeological excavations which are conducted secretly and illicitly, while violating international codes of ethic and under the protection of a private security force.
Last Saturday (2/16/2008), 31 olive trees were uprooted by people of Elad association from a private owned piece of land.
This week RHR-Israel leafleted tourists visiting Silwan. Various settlers passing by recognized Rabbi Ascherman, the head of RHR-Israel calling him “Murderer”, “Dog,” “Nazi” and “Satan.” They managed to smash the front window of Rabbi Ascherman’s car when the tour was out of eyesight.
