Gentrification is happening all over the world. But, like everything in Israel, here it comes with historical baggage and deep political implications.
In 1948, Israel forced some 700,000 Palestinians from their homes. Villages and houses were destroyed. And some of those that remained standing were Hebraicised. The city of Jaffa, for example, was given the Hebrew name Yafo. Salame became Kfar Shalem.
But the young state did more than rename places. It also repopulated them. Both Israel and the Jewish Agency turned over "abandoned" Palestinian properties to poor Jews. Oftentimes, the new residents were Mizrachim (Easterners) - Jews from Arab countries.
Today, some of these Mizrachi families still live in poverty. And now they face eviction as the government sells their homes to the highest bidder.
Israeli fire kills one and wounds several in Gaza: One Palestinian was killed and at least...
Protecting archaeological sites. Preventing water theft. The streamlining of land purchases. If anyone doubted the real...
A bitter dispute between Europe and the US over the future of Gaza has broken out...
