Ramallah, February 27, 2014—Defense for Children International Palestine produced a short film about the Khan Al-Ahmar School in the hills east of Jerusalem that operates under threat of demolition by Israeli authorities.
The Jahalin Bedouin community built the Khan Al-Ahmar School in 2009 using mud and tires, due to the fact it is located in the occupied West Bank, specifically "Area C," where Israeli authorities prohibit Palestinians from building with cement. Over 70 students are currently enrolled in the school, which could be destroyed at any time pursuant to a demolition order issued by Israeli authorities. The nearest alternative school is located about 45 minutes away by car.
The school's imminent demolition is part of a wider plan by Israeli authorities to displace the Jahalin Bedouin living in "Area C" of the occupied West Bank. The Khan Al-Ahmar School and Bedouin community is located in the Jerusalem periphery between the illegal Israeli settlements of Ma'ale Adumim and Kfar Adumim. While the Jahalin Bedouin have a longstanding presence in this area, the community and school present an obstacle to Israel's planned settlement expansion and construction of the separation barrier. The community lives with the constant threat of displacement.
In November 2013, Jewish settlers from neighboring Kfar Adumim settlement filed a petition against the Khan Al-Ahmar School with the Israeli High Court, the third to date. The settlers demand that Israeli authorities enforce the demolition order and destroy the school. The next court hearing is scheduled for April 23, 2014.
The film was edited and directed by Jinan Coulter, which she also co-produced with DCI-Palestine.
