A family that refused to be displaced
Alice Kisiya's family has farmed the terraces of Al-Makhrour for generations. When settlers and authorities moved to take that land, Alice chose to stay — and fight. This is how she did it.
The journey
From ancestral land to landmark victory
From Ottoman-era land records to a landmark court ruling — the moments that shaped the fight for Al-Makhrour.
The land, registered and farmed
The Kisiya family's land in Al-Makhrour is registered under Ottoman and British Mandate records. The family grows olives, figs, and vines on the ancient terraces. The valley is a living agricultural landscape.
Settlement pressure begins
The expansion of Israeli settlements toward the valley begins to put pressure on the surrounding land. The Kisiya family continues to farm and maintain their presence.
The JNF-linked claim
A claim linked to the Jewish National Fund is made against a portion of the Kisiya family's land, alleging it is "state land" or available for reclassification. The family contests the claim.
Demolition of the restaurant and home
Israeli authorities demolish the family's restaurant and part of their home in Al-Makhrour. Alice's response: "We are not defeated." The demolition becomes international news.
Alice launches the campaign
Alice Kisiya takes her case to the world — speaking to churches, journalists, and human rights organizations. The Save Al-Makhrour campaign begins to build international support.
Global attention — France 24, WCC, DAWN
France 24, the World Council of Churches, DAWN, and multiple international outlets cover the Kisiya case. Alice speaks at the WCC assembly. The family erects a solidarity tent on their land.
Family documents prove ownership
Alice locates Ottoman-era and British Mandate land registration documents proving the family's ownership. The documents are submitted to the court as evidence.
Court rules in Alice's favor
The court issues a ruling affirming the Kisiya family's ownership of their Al-Makhrour land. The ruling is described as a landmark for Palestinian Christian land rights.
Swipe to follow the journey
On the ground
The pressure on Al-Makhrour
Years of demolitions, settler incursions, and legal battles have been documented by the family and the organizations supporting them.
Photographs courtesy of the Save Al-Makhrour campaign · al-makhrour.org
In Alice's own words
We are not defeated.
After the demolition of the family restaurant and home, 2019
Middle East EyeI'm going to stay here to fight.
On the decision to remain on the land and take the legal battle to court
DAWNWe need more support — not just prayer, but presence, voice, and solidarity that costs something.
Speaking to the World Council of Churches assembly, October 2024
World Council of ChurchesThe land is won. The fight continues.
The court ruling affirms Alice's ownership. But the terraces need replanting, the legal team needs to defend against any appeal, and Palestinian Christians in the Bethlehem hills still face enormous pressure. Stand with Alice.