OCCUPIED JERUSALEM —The Jerusalem Center for
Social and Economic Rights (JCSER) estimated that around 80 percent of
Jerusalemites live below the poverty line due to economic hardships and layoffs
by Israel, worsened during Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip, Al-Ghad reported.
اضافة اعلان
Since the Oslo Accords in 1993, internal
tourism from the West Bank to Jerusalem has declined, exacerbated by the
construction of the separation wall in 2002. Religious tourism also faced
obstacles, and the
COVID-19 pandemic and the current war further devastated
tourism.
The director of JCSER, Ziad Al-Hammouri stated
that Jerusalemite traders, especially those in the Old City and surrounding
areas, have become impoverished due to challenges in selling goods, paying
bills, and coping with various taxes imposed by Israel.
The policies implemented by Israeli
authorities, aimed at impoverishing Jerusalem residents, contribute to their
displacement or push the majority below the poverty line. These policies
include the high cost of living, housing expenses, various taxes, home
demolitions, and hindering their livelihoods.
Regarding efforts to assist impoverished
families in Jerusalem, Hammouri mentioned that most aid focuses on
Ramadan,
neglecting urgent needs throughout the year. Israel’s restrictions on many
institutions in this field and their closures have increased pressure on those
remaining.
Moreover, Hammouri confirmed that regarding
the impact of the war on Gaza on the classification of more families as poor,
many Jerusalemites were arbitrarily dismissed from their jobs at the beginning
of the war. This occurred either due to expressing solidarity with Gaza or
posting statements deemed as “Incitement and supportive of terrorism” on social
media.
Hammouri highlighted that many Jerusalemites
paid a high price due to the emergency declared by Israel at the beginning of
the war, adding that the punishment, affecting their families, was one of the
most challenging aspects.
Al-Quds
University initiates efforts to empower Jerusalemite women and boost economic
stability
Al-Quds University is researching the causes
of poverty and analyzing its high rates in the city, surpassing the West Bank
and Gaza. The University’s President, Emad Abu Kishk highlighted the lack of a
role for Jerusalemite women in the workforce, leading to economic struggles for
families.
The university aims to improve the economic
situation for Jerusalem families by opening opportunities for women and
ensuring the presence and stability of Jerusalemites. It has developed
initiatives, including a business incubator for Jerusalem residents to launch
entrepreneurial projects.
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