East Jerusalem has long been a centre of Palestinian cultural, religious, and community life. Today, however, Israeli policies are placing growing pressure on the people and organisations working to protect that identity.
A new report by DCA/NCA documents how journalists, students, artists, lawyers, community leaders, and local organisations face arrests, surveillance, online censorship, financial restrictions, and increasing limitations on their work and daily lives.
“They can demolish our buildings, but they will never erase our history or our identity.”Qutaiba Ouda, Director of Bustan Cultural Center
Journalists risk detention and harassment while reporting from the ground.
Young people and activists think twice before posting online or joining public activities.
And cultural centres, youth clubs, and community organisations struggle to keep their doors open as authorities cancel events, restrict funding, and increase pressure on civic initiatives.
Despite growing restrictions, journalists continue documenting realities on the ground, artists continue creating, and local organisations continue supporting their communities and defending fundamental rights.
“They don’t need evidence, they just need someone to accuse me. It’s a legal black hole where I am always guilty, always under suspicion, and never free.”Ziad Hamouri, human rights lawyer and director of the Jerusalem Center for Social and Economic Rights
DCA/NCA and local partners continue supporting efforts to protect civic space, strengthen human rights, and preserve cultural life in East Jerusalem.