IN STEREO

Problems occur here [with] the restoration of old constructions. Restoration occurs on personal knowledge. I mean, it’s the person’s responsibility. I know a family in the area that randomly restored their home, and there are court cases between them and the Antiquities [ministry]. They don’t care; they built three floors. Then these terraces getting away from agriculture: they’re neglected, so what will happen to these terraces? I mean, when a stone fell, the owner would build it up directly. Now it just falls. I’m telling you, the municipality must support these farmers. I mean, it’s simple. The municipality and government must support farmers so that they can remain standing, and encouraged, right? They listed [Battir] as heritage because it has had the terraces since Roman times, which are where they planted in those days.

And it became a beautiful area, so that’s why they added it. I was negatively affected by this, personally, because my land is next to the Roman Pool. When I wanted to make this restaurant, the Heritage [ministry] came in my way. They told me it’s forbidden because it’s a heritage area. Well, this is land that I inherited from my family and my dad. They say that UNESCO impacted Battir so that [Israel] didn’t build a wall in it. This idea, I don’t know… I’m not convinced by it. Why? Because [if] the Jewish-Israelis want to impact the [land], can anyone prevent them? Now [the ministry] gave me a permit that I don’t build with concrete, only iron and wood and brick. This is in [Area] B. They told me they should be removable materials, as if I’m [in Area] C! – Fuad