The Settlers Destroyed, We Restored: Protective Presence in Wadi al-Makhrour

01/06/25

On Friday, May 30, 2025, around 50 Zazim activists took part in a protective presence action in Wadi al-Makhrour in the West Bank. We accompanied farmers from Beit Jala, Battir, and al-Makhrour to their lands in the wadi, helped them restore agricultural plots that had been neglected for over a year due to settler violence, and cleaned the wadi on our way to the fields—filling dozens of garbage bags with trash.

This is what Rassan Alyan, a resident of Battir and one of the landowners in the wadi, told us:

"We deeply appreciate the people who came here to support us. Just by being here, you help the residents of the area protect their land and survive despite settler violence."

Throughout the year, Zazim activists regularly participate in protective presence actions across the West Bank. We help restore farmland and, through our presence, offer protection to farmers from settler attacks. Our activists ended the day feeling uplifted—but more importantly, the farmers were able to plow their land and shared heartfelt appreciation for our solidarity.