When Kiryat Arba was built, the Israeli Civil Authority built a road, connecting it to the other settlements. The road went through Jabr's farm. Protestations were useless, and his farm was cut in half.
Israeli settlers have beaten up family members and have invaded the house several times, once burning it down. It had to be rebuilt.
Israeli soldiers have destroyed a water cistern that the family installed to help irrigate their fields, claiming they have no permit. Permits are almost impossible to get for Palestinians. Soldiers have also cut the water hoses that were being used to water the fields.
One time Atta Jabr was severely beaten up for defending his farm from soldiers who came with a demolition order. Blood was coming out of his mouth, genitals, and ears. He was then taken to prison, without being given any medical attention. He barely survived. An Israeli police officer nursed him back to health. Jabr described that the officer was crying.
Another time, a soldier fired a sound grenade at him, his wife and infant she was holding as they were having a discussion. The soldier claimed they were 'too close' to him as he and his friends were destroying the water pipes used to irrigate crops.
Israelis have came to the family's aid, in particular Rabbis for Human Rights and Peace Now. Some activists have been beaten up by the army for standing up for him. Jabr made it clear he did not have a problem with Israelis, but with what their government is doing to his people.
Someone once asked him if he hates Jews after what has been done to him.
Atta Jabr's response:
"If I were to hate anyone in this world, I would take out my heart. I love everyone in this world, I do not want to live with a hating heart".
Atta Jabr in the field.
The family's cucumber field.
Water pipes that were cut up by the Israeli soldiers.
Jabr's kids helping pick cucumbers.
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