APN | Falame – Qalqilya

22 May 2023

 

While APN planted 600 trees in the village of Falamya in Qalqilya governorate, a farmer emphasized that supporting Palestinian farmers is the most significant way to confront colonialism in the village. With 97.2% of the total area situated in Area C, the occupation confiscated hundreds of dunums to construct the apartheid wall. Consequently, some farmers in the village were deprived of harvesting their olives for over a decade before being denied their rightful access.

The construction of the apartheid wall facilitated the expansion of colonialism in the village, exemplified by the establishment of the Tzofim settlement in 1989. Falling under the jurisdiction of the Shomron Regional Council, the settlement was incorporated as falling inside the wall, resulting in the annexation of thousands of dunums to its area, extending its reach to the village of Falamya.

Despite the broad welcome extended to Zionist settlers, the movement of Falamya farmers was restricted to just two agricultural gates that opened three times a day for one hour. Control over these access points was dictated by the whims of the occupation.

The story of the Falamya community is a tale of resilience which APN willingly embraced in a mission that led us to this isolated village. We launched an agricultural project covering 10 dunums owned by two families, comprising 15 members, all of whom are steadfast in their commitment to remain in their village.