ICAHD Webinar - Christian Zionism, Silwan Evictions

Photo: Baten Al-Hawa neighbourhood in Silwan, East Jerusalem - B’Tselem - Omri Eran Vardi/Activestills

Some Americans have referred to what it is doing in Iran as the US’s “Holy War”. Mike Huckebee, the US’s Ambassador to Israel, remarked in February that it would be fine if Israel took control of land that would include a huge swathe of the Middle East.

Such positions come from an interpretation of Bible verses identified as Christian Zionism. This theological and political belief system says that the modern State of Israel’s existence is a fulfilment of biblical prophecy and a necessary sign to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. It combines strong support for Israel, particularly regarding control over Jerusalem and the West Bank, with an end-times world view.

During this hour-long webinar, Stephen Sizer will provide a summary about Christian Zionist beliefs. He will be followed by Michael Spath who will unpack how Christian Zionist theology has influenced US foreign policy and how US churches are responding to it

Not only are Palestinians being forced from their homes in the West Bank at an escalating rate, but it is also happening in East Jerusalem.

On March 24^th and 25^th, fifteen Palestinian families left their homes in the Baten Al-Hawa neighborhood in Silwan, East Jerusalem. The families had lost a long legal battle and were ordered by the court to leave and consequently, their houses were transferred to the prominent Ateret Cohanim settler association. Four of the families left voluntarily, while the other 11 families were evicted by heavy police force presence who arrived with dogs. Private contractors were also involved, and video documentation shows young settlers carrying out furniture. A total of 65 people were forcibly displaced.

Silwan is located just south of Jerusalem’s Old City and the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound thus it is one of the most politically and religiously sensitive areas in Jerusalem. It has faced years of pressure from the Israeli authorities and groups pushing to expand illegal Israeli settlements and control in the heart of Silwan’s neighbourhoods.

Read the full article here.

Over the years, ICAHD has come to know Fakhri Abu Diab, community leader from al-Bustan, and several of our study tours participants have met him. In 2024, we helped to rebuild his home following its demolition on Valentine’s Day but sadly, his new home was also subsequently demolished in November that year. Since then, Fakhri and his wife have been living in a caravan but that is also has a demolition order on it. A crowd-funding campaign has been launched to help Fakhri and his wife should internationals wish to help them.

The main 'Together Against the Far Right' demo will start off at 1pm from Piccadilly, towards Green Park tube, turn right on Regents Street, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square with speeches at 2pm in Whitehall. It is planned that music in Trafalgar Square will be between 3 - 6pm.

The report from the Gaza Tribunal UK held in September 2025 is now available. It brought together testimony, evidence and analysis presented at its hearings held in Westminster

Over two days, the Tribunal heard from 29 witnesses, including medics, journalists, academics, lawyers, researchers, campaigners, trade unionists, political figures and included ICAHD’s Jeff Halper. Their testimony documented the devastating human impact of the assault on Gaza and examined Britain’s role in enabling Israel’s war through political, military and economic support. Dates for your Diary

Saturday, 28^th March – Together for Palestine Against the Far Right – noon, central London

Tuesday, 14^th April – ICAHD UK webinar on Christian Zionism – 7pm (UK) 2pm (EDT) with Stephen Sizer and Michael Spath

Saturday, 17^th October – ICAHD UK Annual Conference, The Wesley Hotel, London

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