Noor Abu Sultan 

From Wadi Al-Joz into Wadi Al-Silicon
To the north of the northeastern corner of the Old City of Al-Quds and next to the Sheikh Al-Jarrah neighborhood, Wadi Al-Joz is located. It is considered to be the lifeline for East Al-Quds inhabitants. To wit, this residential neighborhood contains more than 200 facilities such as: cars' repair shops, stores, restaurants, and offices. Not only this, but it also contains 2134 flats, and more than 15,073 people live there, according to Al-Quds Municipality updates for the year of 2017.

Since the Israeli occupation controlled it in 1967, Wadi Al-Joz has been facing hard times. Now it is subject to one of the most insidious projects, which targets about 2000 dunums and demolishes about 200 facilities to establish an Israeli technological industrial center, which will consist of hotels, high-tech employment centers, and huge stores.

This project, which is approved to be titled as “Wadi Al-Silicon”, was first launched in June 2020 upon the recommendation of the Planning and Urban Division Committee, and was inspired by the industrial area “Silicon Valley” in the southern San Francisco Bay Area of California. Additionally, 2.1 billion NIS, or what can be calculated as 600 million NIS, will be paid to have this project done. As agreed, 250,000 square meters will be specialized for high-tech companies, while the hotels and stores will cover an area of 100,000 square meters.

Hidden purposes and Future Prospects
As always, Israel lies as it breathes. Israeli propaganda claims that this project is all for Palestinians, as it will contain public advanced transportation, expanded green spaces, and a technological college to teach the Jerusalemites. It will also provide job opportunities for women. But in reality, it aims to link East Al-Quds with West Al-Quds in the framework of “Greater Al-Quds,” which is known to them as the capital of so-called Israel.

While the Israeli occupation claims it will provide more than 10,000 job opportunities for Wadi Al-Joz inhabitants, the Palestinians certainly know that this project won't help but deprive them of their livelihoods. This is not only another style of Judaization, but it is also changing the demographic profile as the occupation attempts to evacuate East Al-Quds' inhabitants.

Testimonials
Dozens of Palestinians who have been working in the area for decades will lose their jobs after they see an eviction notice from the Israeli occupation authorities glued on the door of their shops. 

Here's Ramzi Salah, 29-year-old (owner of one of stores in Wadi Al-Joz area), said: “The area is so suitable and vibrant to work in vehicles repair shops, and is substitute for working in any other place. But, after we received the evacuating order in last May, we are now facing the threat of demolishing any time. Also, the family got broke of the municipal taxes."

In this regard, the General Secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative, Mustafa Barghouti, stated that: “This is a very dangerous plan, which aims to take control of the remaining lands of Al-Quds and destroy the cultural and demographic heritage of Al-Quds."

To sum up, this project is state-sponsored ethnic cleansing in broad daylight.