The streets of Silwan came alive today as hundreds of Israelis, internationals and Sheikh Jarrah locals marched in solidarity with the people of Silwan. Demonstrators poured in to the Wadi Hilweh neighborhood next to the “City of David” settlement, protesting the policies of both exclusive Jewish settlements and the demolition of Palestinian homes. The march’s route continued through Silwan village passing El-Bustan and Baten El-Hawa neighborhoods, which are also threatened by the Israeli settlement policy.

Settlers from the Elad settlement projects in Silwan responded by throwing stones at the peaceful demonstrators.

Israeli demonstraters vocalized the belief that their government’s racist, Jewish-first policies will lead to a self-destructive end. Silwan residents expressed their refusal to surrender to discriminative double standards practiced by Israeli authorities.

Representatives of Silwan residents and local committees broadcast a clear message to the Israeli municipal authorities: “We will not accept to be bridges upon which you pass your settlement projects.”

The demonstration was also attended by observers from the U.S. Consulate of East Jerusalem.