Half a century in Sheikh Jarrah: my friendship with a Palestinian facing expulsion
Meet Mohammed al-Sabbagh, a sprightly Palestinian plumber in his early 70s who has lived in Sheikh Jarrah since 1956. Today he has become an unofficial spokesperson for one of the most contentious flashpoints in Palestine.
BY TOM ROGERS
MOHAMMED AL-SABBAGH IN SHEIKH JARRAH, 2020. (PHOTO: WCC-EAPPI)
According to Mohammed al-Sabbagh, a sprightly 72-year-old Palestinian plumber who has become an unofficial spokesperson for one of the most contentious neighborhoods in East Jerusalem. His block used to be one of the quietest streets in the city. Not so much anymore.
Sheikh Jarrah, where Mohammed, has lived since 1956, is today a flashpoint for protests over Palestinians expelled by Israeli settlers. Four families will have their last appeal in Israel’s high court in...









