The recent Israeli elections mark a watershed moment for those who care deeply for a democratic Israel and a just and pluralistic Jerusalem. The elections are likely to have immediate and severe consequences for Jerusalem, which is why Ir Amim needs your support, now more than ever. 

The latest elections resulted in the most extreme right-wing incoming government in Israel\\\\'s history. Far-right extremist MK Itamar Ben Gvir is slated to receive expanded and unprecedented powers as Minister of National Security - a new role created specifically for him. With Ben Gvir as Minister of National Security, police violence towards Palestinians will likely escalate on the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif, in Sheik Jarrah, and across East Jerusalem, and the freedom of protest and expression by Palestinian and anti-occupation activists will be further repressed. 

Another right-wing extremist MK, Betzalel Smotrich, will receive authority over COGAT (Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories). His influence will have serious implications for Greater Jerusalem, including on settlement construction in E1 and surrounding al-Walaja, and demolitions in Khan al Ahmar and other Bedouin communities. As Minister of Finance, Smotrich will receive authority over the Custodian of Absentee Properties, a state body which acts in the service of settler groups to evict Palestinians from their homes and seize their lands for Jewish settlement throughout East Jerusalem. 

Smotrich is also a known agitator against human rights organizations and has already announced his intention to "deal with" them. 

Ir Amim refuses to be threatened, and we will not be silenced. 

In 2022, Ir Amim overcame many obstacles to carry out its vital work in safeguarding Palestinian rights to their homes and the city and advancing the prospect of a more just, equal and peaceful Jerusalem. 

Here are a few of Ir Amim’s achievements in 2022: 

🏅 Ir Amim was honored with the 2022 Human Rights Award from the New Israel Fund UK. 

🏅 Over 5,000 people participated in Ir Amim’s flagship study tours and seminars throughout 2022 

🏅 Ir Amim’s advocacy, in partnership with colleague organizations and Palestinian residents, secured an extension for the demolition freeze on 38 homes in the Palestinian village of al-Walaja. In a dramatic about-face, the State expressed support for urban planning processes in the village that is currently in its early stages. 

🏅An investigation by Ir Amim into eviction notices for dozens of Palestinian families near the settler enclaves of Kidmat Tzion has called into question the legality and motivations of the move by the state. Our findings have yet to be refuted by the authorities. 

🏅Ir Amim received multiple inquiries from state authorities seeking information and recommendations prior to the development of the next five-year investment plan for East Jerusalem. This followed our publication of the Monitor Report - Three Years Since the Implementation of Government Decision 3790. 

🏅Ir Amim exposed that Temple Movement activists removed the sign placed by Israel\\\\'s Chief Rabbinate in 1967 at the entrance to the Mughrabi Gate forbidding Jews to enter the Temple Mount for halachic reasons. Ir Amim’s revelation led the Chief Rabbinate to place a new sign at the site. 

🏅Ir Amim’s work was widely cited in the English, Hebrew and Arabic media including AP, Reuters, Haaretz, Times of Israel, Ynet, Calcalist, Israeli radio and television, and Al-Quds newspaper. 

We will continue to oppose Jewish supremacist policies and will work for an equitable Jerusalem shared by both peoples - Israeli and Palestinian – with mutual dignity and respect. 

With your help, Ir Amim will strengthen its efforts to: 

Ir Amim’s annual crowdfunding campaign is an opportunity for people who want to safeguard Jerusalem as the present home and future capital of two peoples to show their support for the Israeli organization which is determined to do just that. 

Together with you and our Israeli and Palestinian partners, we will work in a united front for a more just, equal and peaceful Jerusalem for all its inhabitants.