Washington, DC – In response to the killing of Palestinian nonviolent activist Awdah Hathaleen by a violent, extremist settler outside the Palestinian village of Umm al-Khair, J Street Vice President and Chief of Staff Adina Vogel Ayalon issued the following statement:
“We are heartbroken and horrified by the killing of nonviolent Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen, a dear friend and partner to many in the J Street community.
Earlier today, armed settlers arrived outside the Palestinian village of Umm al-Khair, a community in the South Hebron Hills that is constantly at risk of both demolitions by Israeli authorities and attacks from settlers. The settlers began destroying the residents’ olive trees with a bulldozer, injuring one of the residents. Yinon Levi, who was filmed wielding and firing a gun during the incident, shot and killed Awdah.
Our J Street community has deep, personal ties to Awdah and the people of Umm al-Khair. Many of us – including Members of Congress and their staff we bring to the region – have visited Awdah and his community, shared meals there and witnessed the daily threats and harassment they endure at the hands of extremist settlers and the authorities that protect them.
This violence is not random. It is the tragic result of an Israeli government that enables and empowers violent settler extremists and refuses to hold perpetrators accountable. We call on the Israeli government to conduct a complete investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice, and call on the US government to press Israel to ensure there is accountability for Awdah’s killing.
Levi was previously sanctioned by the United States under the Biden Administration for his role in attacks against Palestinians. On the very first day of his second term, President Trump made the reckless decision to revoke sanctions on violent settlers, including Levi.
J Street is continuing to urge Members of Congress to add their names to the West Bank Violence Prevention Act, legislation that would codify Biden-era sanctions into law, provide a measure of justice in a spiraling situation and deter deadly violence like that we witnessed today.
May Awdah’s memory be a blessing – and a call to action.”