A village divided by flags and faith
In the village of Turmus Ayya, a patch of land lies where US and Israeli flags meet in a fragile boundary. This area, marked by the scorching traces of molotov cocktails, now bears a massive boulder placed by Israeli settlers to claim the land. On one side, the village features white-stone homes where most residents are US citizens. About 80% of the villagers are part of the Palestinian diaspora in New York, Chicago, and Paterson, New Jersey. These citizens return during the summer to share their heritage with their children and teach Arabic. From their balconies, they proudly fly the American flag.
On the other side stands an illegal Israeli settlement of corrugated metal trailers and shacks. This outpost is part of a larger network of settlements expanding from Shilo, a hilltop settlement in the valley. Shilo is considered a spiritual and historical center in Jewish tradition, drawing many American tourists. Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel, has visited Shilo twice in the last two years. Nonetheless, US military funding and donations to Jewish charities have fueled its expansion.
A deadly irony of shared citizenship
Yaser Alkam, a semi-retired family law attorney and current head of Turmus Ayya's village council, remarked on the bizarre situation. He spent 35 years in Anaheim, California, before returning to his home. Alkam described the nightly harassment from settlers, including the use of off-road vehicles and loud noises to intimidate families. Recently, the word 'Revenge' was spray-painted on a home near the village, an act of intimidation and violence.
Amishav Melet is one of the individuals accused of involvement in violent actions. His brother was killed in a clash when settlers entered another Palestinian village last week. Melet denies any connection to the violence but has publicly expressed his belief in the Jewish right to the entire West Bank. Alkam believes Melet is aware of his identity and is waiting for a chance to retaliate.
The US role and its limits
Mike Huckabee, an evangelical Christian and US ambassador to Israel, has voiced strong support for Jewish claims to the West Bank. In 2025, he assured residents during a visit, “President Trump loves this land. You are not alone. We stand with you, and so do many around the world.” When violence strikes, Alkam seeks assistance from Huckabee's office. Occasionally, US officials have intervened, such as in late July when the US embassy played a key role in getting the Israeli military to vacate the home of a doctor from Syracuse. The doctor had recently hosted Democratic congressman Ro Khanna during a visit to Turmus Ayya.
However, nine US citizens have lost their lives in the West Bank since 2022, with some killed by settlers and others by the Israeli military. The US state department has stated that all US citizens in the West Bank have access to consular services. It condemned violence from any party in the region and stated that it regularly engages in dialogue to enhance stability and security. The department also emphasized that the US does not support Israel's annexation of the West Bank.
Despite these official statements, the situation remains dire for the villagers. The US often struggles to provide meaningful support or prevent further violence. The tragic death of a Palestinian American from Tampa Bay at the hands of settlers in the West Bank was followed by attacks on his family and friends, as well as a CNN crew. The US continues to face challenges in ensuring the safety of its citizens in a volatile region.
The complex dynamics in Turmus Ayya underscore the ongoing tensions in the West Bank. The presence of US citizens in both the village and the settlements highlights the paradox of shared citizenship amidst conflict. With the Trump administration focused on other global issues, the West Bank remains a flashpoint for violence and geopolitical challenges.