Palestinian shop 'abruptly evicted' from Edinburgh home after 12 years
Hadeel, a fair trade not-for-profit shop which exclusively sells goods made by Palestinians, has been operating in the Scottish capital for more than 20 years.
Run by the UK charity Palcrafts, it aims to provide a sustainable source of income and support for Palestinian craftspeople, artisans and farmers.
But last week, the shop received an eviction notice from its current home on 123 George Street, which is owned by the Church of Scotland.
READ MORE: The Edinburgh shop exclusively selling products made by Palestinians
It means the shop's current licence agreement will be terminated in early September.
The shop's manager, Yasmina Ferrigan, told The National that Hadeel had been aware that the CoS was considering the future of the building.
For 12 years, the CoS has apparently given Hadeel subsidised rent for the property.
But added that she was 'quite taken aback' that it was done right now, given what is currently happening in Gaza and the West Bank. Instead, Hadeel had apparently expected a rent increase.
'I don't want to upset and vilify them,' she said.
'But at the end of the day, all of our producers in Palestine are suffering and whatever income we generate allows us more flexibility to support them.'
READ MORE: I visited Europe's first museum of Palestinian art. Here's what it was like
Ferrigan added: 'And all of our producers in the West Bank are struggling. They've got no source of income. They depend heavily on any sales that we have.
'So, absolutely, it's not an ideal time, especially at a time of such huge unrest and uncertainty.'
A statement posted to Hadeel's Facebook page claims the Church of Scotland's decision to evict Hadeel was made in order to re-let the premises at a higher, more commercial value.
'Although we are aware that over the past few years CoS has been considering the future of the building, nevertheless the notice of contract termination came as a surprise and without warning,' it read.
'Despite our deep disappointment, the Joint Council of Hadeel and Palcrafts is cognisant of the reasons that forced CoS to take this decision. We would also acknowledge the longstanding support, partnership and generosity of the CoS over many years.'
The statement went on: 'In order to address this difficult situation members of the Palcrafts/Hadeel council met with representatives of the Church of Scotland in order to negotiate a favourable contract and to explore options including an extension of the termination notice and the availability of other properties that can be suitable for relocation of Hadeel.
'At this juncture, we want to reassure our supporters that we are taking every possible action to safeguard the continuation of our organisation and the future of Hadeel.'
The move to evict Hadeel was met with some anger from some social media users.
One user said: 'It is deeply disturbing to withdraw support for Palestine in the midst of a genocide. What does this tell us about about COS values and moral compass?'
Another added: 'Praying for you in this. The work you do is so important, especially just now.'
The origins of the shop lie with Carol Morton, wife of a Church of Scotland minister based in Jerusalem, who started selling Palestinian-made goods there and continued on her return to Scotland.
A spokesperson for the Church of Scotland said: 'The Church has been very pleased to support the Hadeel shop since 2013 within the national offices building in Edinburgh at a significantly discounted rent, which has not increased over the last 12 years.
'We are facing significant challenges and we are having to make difficult adjustments to how properties are used, to offset operating costs and contribute to the wider funding of the Kirk.
'We understand why this news is upsetting for people and it is not a decision we have taken lightly.
'We will continue to work supportively with Hadeel and ecumenical partners to identify suitable, alternative premises elsewhere.'
You can find Hadeel at 123 George St, Edinburgh EH2 4JN. Stay updated with their news via their website, Facebook, and X.
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