Challenge

Refusal to approve Palestinian town plans or issue building permits is now de facto policy in the 62% of the West Bank solely controlled by Israel. Demolitions are a very real risk. The Israeli Human Rights Group BIMKOM.org received Israeli Army data in 2010 showing over 12,500 demolition orders against Palestinian homes, schools, and shops. Al Aqaba's lawyers say Demolition Orders never get reversed. Families who hold title to their Al Aqaba land are ready to build homes despite the risk.

Solution

Rebuilding to Remain helps Palestinian families build their homes on the land they own through democratic planning/design, village-issued building permits, and affordable Islamic-compliant revolving construction loans. The villagers invest their life savings to build homes. We invest in their future and minimize their risk by expanding grassroots advocacy and diplomatic engagement worldwide to keep Al Aqaba standing. Political Risk Insurance, a first in Area C, would offer extra safety.

Long-Term Impact

Our first 3 'Rebuilding to Remain' homes in Al Aqaba stimulated a building spree! Their homes are dreams made real, growing in love & value, giving their town a future, and offering a neighborly model for peace. Though denied the right to apply for Political Risk Insurance, we signed a partnership agmt with a bank willing to join us to help Al Aqaba families finish 15 more homes. Success of our model can help meet the housing needs of the 150,000 Palestinians who live in the West Bank's Area C

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Excel file (projdoc.xls).

Resources