Life came to a standstill when the Salhiah’s homes and business were demolished by the Municipality of Jerusalem in early January this year. What made this case even more tragic, and brought international attention, was the fact that the home had no demolition orders. Since then, generous donors like you have given the family a renewed sense of hope. Knowing that they have support gives them the chance to once again envision a bright future for themselves.

In order to continue to press their case forward and sue for damages, the Salhiah family must pay $24,000 in court fees. The good news is that the Salhiahs have reached an agreement with the court and can pay the court fee in three installments of $8K each. With your help, the Salhiahs paid the first installment that was due on September 21st. However, the next monthly installment is due on October 21st. The Salhiahs need your help once again to pay the remaining amount. This will allow them to continue their pursuit of justice.

The Salhiahs are grateful to all their donors and sent a note for them. Mr. Salhiah said:

"I want to thank everyone who helped my family. This help from you breathed new life into me and renewed my hope that we can succeed. The first payment towards the court fees for our case was made. The remainder must be paid now for the case to be heard. Your help will save my family, and recover damages for our home and business that were destroyed.

This case is important to us. It's our last hope, and it's what is keeping us alive. I hope the case is heard in court. I want to thank everyone, from the bottom of my heart, who donated and hopefully will donate. I will never forget this help. This case is going to save our lives. Two more payments are left to be made, but we're hopeful that we'll get help.

My dream is to win the case. Once we win, I want to donate back the help that many generous people have extended toward my family."

You must be wondering how the Salhiahs are doing otherwise. The family is renting a place in Beit Hanina and paying a monthly rent of 7000 Shekels. “It is hard to keep up, it feels like it's the first of the month every other day,” says Mr. Salhiah. “All our hope is tied to this case. We must see it through.” He has been finding ways to earn a living for himself. One generous person has allowed Mr. Salhiah to plant and harvest grapevines on his land, in Beit Iksa, Jerusalem. He’s happy that he gets to do what he loves.

There’s a new family member that has brought happiness to the family. Mr. Salhiah shared, “I am now a grandfather for the first time. I’d love to see my granddaughter back and safe in our house, where she belongs. I want to ensure my children’s future. My mother is very ill. I hope she sees us succeed in the court.”

Thank you for supporting the Salhiah family. Paying their court fees will bring this case one step closer to being heard. The family’s lawyer believes that they can win their case- and their victory will be a victory for truth, peace, and justice, and will set a precedent that can keep other Palestinian families who face home demolition safe, something that is extremely important with tens of thousands of Palestinian families living in homes that have demolition orders.

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