Silwan’s story brings together several layers of Jerusalem's history and its political and social reality. Historically, Silwan is deeply rooted in the birth of the city of Jerusalem, as it is believed that the core of Canaanite Jerusalem originated there. Geographically, Silwan is the closest village to the Old City. It is also home to Ein Silwan (Silwan Spring), previously considered the only water source in Jerusalem. Politically, Silwan is the most heavily targeted by settler-colonial and Judaization projects and is prey to intense activity by settler organizations. It is also one of the most prominent hot spots of confrontation with the Occupation forces in Jerusalem and registers high numbers of Palestinian youth and children detainees in Occupation prisons.
