The Palestinian-American determined to defend his home from Israeli settlers

Louai Abu Ridi, a Palestinian-American, has returned to the West Bank to defend his home from Israeli settlers encircling his property in Qusra. The homeowner, who lives in Ohio with his wife and two daughters, had been monitoring security-camera footage of settlers attacking his ancestral home for months. The harassment intensified when armed settlers surrounded the house and set up tents outside it, preventing residents from entering or leaving.

Despite efforts from Abu Ridi to help from Ohio, including urging his brother to call the police and appealing to US officials and lawmakers, no meaningful action was taken. When the Israeli army arrived, he claims they sided with the settlers, conducted prayers with them, and celebrated. Abu Ridi contacted the US embassy in Jerusalem and his representative in Ohio, but beyond public condemnation, little changed.

He was eventually forced to return to Qusra, where he is determined to protect his home and prevent settlers from taking it over.