REPORT: 'Bab al-Shams', a novel turned into a reality

Dozens of Palestinian activists spent their second night under the eyes of Israeli choppers in the village of “Bab el Shams” they built on Friday on a territory dedicated for the construction of a new Israeli settlement.       

The activists camped where Israel wants to establish a link between the Maale Adumim settlement in the West Bank and settlement neighborhoods in East Jerusalem; they brought their tents, flags and blankets in addition to some food and beverages.       

Israeli police declared the area a military zone and prevented Saed Orekat and other officials who came to show solidarity with the campers from entering. However, some managed to circumvent checkpoints and join the encampment.        

On another note, the activists’ attorney managed to obtain a decision from the Supreme Court, freezing the evacuation order for six days.        

The encampment's name, "Bab el Shams", which means "Gateway to the Sun" in Arabic, was taken from a novel by Lebanese writer Elias Khoury which tells the history of the Palestinians through a love story. In a message to the activists, he said “I only have one request; that you accept me as a citizen in your village where I can learn with you the meanings of freedom and righteousness.”