Subscribe to Print Edition | Sun., March 29, 2009 Nisan 4, 5769 | | Israel Time: 01:44 (EST+7)   Back to Homepage web haaretz.com Haaretz Toolbar Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Car Rental Books Haaretz Magazine Business Real Estate Joy of Giving Travel Week's End Anglo File

Seeds of contention in King David's garden By Yudith Oppenheimer and Sarah Kreimer Tags: Israel News The argument over the growth of Palestinian Silwan has been going on for years, but came to a head recently with the announcement by the Jerusalem municipality of plans to demolish a number of Palestinian-owned homes in the neighborhood's Al Bustan quarter. Jewish Israelis claim that their interest in Al Bustan (the name means "the garden" in both Arabic and Hebrew) is "scientific," to preserve the archaeological assets of the neighborhood - specifically King David's use of this part of the city some three millennia ago. They say they want to develop it as a Jewish-historical tourist site, but it's clear that their plans also have a political aspect to them. Nevertheless, when the debate is framed in these terms, the "archaeological" will always trump the simple human needs of the area's residents. This archaeological discourse is instrumental to dispossessing Palestinian residents of their land and property, and in attempts to conceal the rich fabric of their community life. Those who bemoan the Palestinian presence in Al Bustan refer to this neighborhood of about 1,000 residents as "an illegal Palestinian settlement in King David's garden," and claim that its very existence makes it impossible to honor the site as they see fit. They invoke the image of King David, who may well have walked through this beautiful garden of fruit-bearing trees - and envision his son Solomon writing the Book of Ecclesiastes, which, according to some traditions, was created in the garden. The everyday lives of the residents of contemporary Silwan and the politics of East Jerusalem are thus pitted in this telling against the sacred and eternal Jewish legacy of the garden, which is said to have served the ancient kings of Judea. Advertisement This archaeological discourse is a selective one, benefiting one side in the argument only. In it, Jewish history, as presented in the Bible, and the metaphysical dimension in general, take priority over the modern history of Jerusalem and the existing cultural and social context of the present. The claim that Arab construction in Al Bustan is causing harm to one of Jerusalem's most important ancient archaeological sites is troublesome. The possibilities of finding important archaeological artifacts in Jerusalem are endless. Even with the most promising pieces lying just below the surface, their lure should not come at the expense of the day-to-day life of contemporary residents. Archaeology in Jerusalem - like many other aspects of the debate - is often presented by the establishment as a zero-sum game: It excludes the Palestinian residents of this neighborhood, their rights and development needs, along with any other consideration that does not overlap with the Jewish narrative. The only history that counts is that of the Jewish people, as though we were the only people in this land with national and religious aspirations. The Palestinian residents of Al Bustan, who have found themselves competing against a divinely sanctioned Jewish kingdom, understand that they cannot defend their rights within this framework. Despite the ongoing attempt by Jerusalem's rulers to separate the residents of Al Bustan from their land, and to exclude them from any public debate over its use, the latter have, over the past several years, been promoting their own plan for the neighborhood. This plan would allow for sustainable and regulated development on the site. It also provides for a commercial boulevard and a tourism route that would be integrated with the neighborhood's orchards and houses. Unfortunately, the plan - which represents real grassroots involvement of the residents in shaping the city's future - was recently rejected by Israeli authorities. The archaeological discourse on the one hand, and the planning and enforcement mechanisms on the other, seem determined to cover up the fact that Al Bustan - unlike the historical garden of King David - is a real-life community whose members are going about their daily existence. It is this life that should be given priority when planning historical and archaeological sites. Yudith Oppenheimer and Sarah Kreimer are respectively director and associate director of Ir Amim, an Israeli non-profit organization engaged in issues that affect Israeli-Palestinian relations in Jerusalem and on the city's political future. Bookmark to del.icio.us   First night in Cairo Gideon Levy recalls his trip to cover the first talks between Israel and Egypt. Collective suicide New book analyzing suicide notes of Israeli Jews offers 'self-portrait' of Israeli society.

Read & React Anshel Pfeffer: How IDF testimonies led to the 'Haaretz blood libel' Responses: 162 Gaza witness: IDF troops told us 'Go south or you'll get shot' Responses: 78 EU warns Netanyahu over stalled peace process Responses: 92 Amos Harel: Sudan strike won't make Iran give up on Hamas Responses: 58 Sudan says Israel 'most probably' behind attack Responses: 52 More Headlines 23:29 PMO negotiator travels abroad to pursue Shalit deal 19:39 Report: Israel carried out 3 attacks on Sudan arms smugglers 22:35 'Germany soft on Iran due to financial considerations' 22:37 PA: Netanyahu peace plan will prolong occupation 17:07 Hamas frees Fatah's Gaza officials hours after arrest 22:45 U.K. program identifies 180 kids at risk of Islamic radicalization 19:27 Arab MK: IDF soldiers attacked me in Hebron 23:11 WATCH: Daily news round-up from Israel 23:49 1-1 draw for Israel, Greece in World Cup qualifying match 12:08 Report: U.S. mulling Obama-Assad meeting 21:50 Lights go out in 88 countries to mark Earth Hour 19:29 U.S. judge: Iran must pay $25 million for murder of IDF soldier 08:04 Greek court clears far-rightist of Holocaust denial 21:09 Actor Assi Dayan arrested on suspicion of domestic violence 14:54 Egypt skips key Arab League summit on unity 07:45 U.S. firm to launch new kosher tequila for Mexican holiday Previous Editions Select Day 27 mar 26 mar 25 mar 24 mar 23 mar 22 mar 20 mar 19 mar 18 mar 17 mar 16 mar 15 mar

Special Offers Advertisement Spring Specials-Dan Hotels Jerusalem from 179$. Tel-Aviv from 223$. Herzliya from 336$ Dead Sea Skin Care Quality cosmetics from the Dead Sea. Coupon code HAARETZ for 12% off! Camp Kimama Israel 2009 The best place for your children this summer Eldan Rent a Car Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on online reservations Jewish Singles Personal Ads Find the love of your life on JDate.com Junkyard Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt

Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | | Israel 2009 election results

Site rules | Makom: Engaging on Israel | Search engine marketing

Haaretz.com, the online edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, offers real-time breaking news, opinions and analysis from Israel and the Middle East. Haaretz.com provides extensive and in-depth coverage of Israel, the Jewish World and the Middle East, including defense, diplomacy, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the peace process, Israeli politics, Jerusalem affairs, international relations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Israeli business world and Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora.

© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved