On the 2nd February 2011, Khirbet Tana faced its 6th demolition. The Israeli army and civil administration arrived to demolish again the community housing. As quoted from the Ma’an News article, a representative of Israel’s Civil Administration said that the Feb. 17 demolitions were a part of “routine law enforcement activity against illegal building” and demolition went ahead.

Khirbet Tana is located between Nablus and Jiftlik. Leaving from Jiftlik and taking the original path this journey would take approximately 10 minutes by car. Now, however, due to a road gate installed by the occupation forces, a detour through Nablus is necessary and takes approximately 1–2 hours, part of which involves driving on very rough terrain.

The inhabitants of this hamlet are farmers and accommodation varies from old stone buildings to caves to tents. This was once a thriving community where they traded in dairy produce as well as livestock. The centre piece was a beautiful mosque which now also houses a homeless family. The people had great pressure applied to move from their homes and sadly some succumbed, while others remain.

JVS volunteers along with our lawyer, visited the community to show their support and to try to find a legal solution.

These people feel they are totally isolated and we explained they are not unique as the demolitions of homes is happening throughout the Jordan Valley. We praised them for their steadfastness and their unyielding determination to remain on their land as they have done for centuries. With the usual Palestinian gutsiness some have already started to rebuild regardless of Israel’s transfer policy.

Accompanying us was JVS lawyer who we introduced to the victims of demolition. He interviewed those who may lose their homes and documented the situation. He is hopeful that a court hearing will follow as he feels these people have a very strong case.

We visited a family of cave dwellers who have a long history of living, not only in the area, but indeed the cave. We spoke to one lady who can confirm that at least three generations have been born within the cave. With pride she added she was one. This may account for her heightened emotional state when she saw the bulldozer approached her cave. It was only as she collapsed that the bulldozer withdrew. However it will be back.