Maliha has a wonderful personality and is a great role model for other Palestinian women. This inspired me to interview her and gain a deeper understanding of her life and work. We spoke about the way in which she transformed her personal story and hometown, Kufr Aqab, into a research topic she studied in depth.
Maliha Zugayar
Why did you want to study Urban Planning at Hebrew University? How did you get here?
Soon after completing my Architecture degree at Bir Zeit University, I was able to secure a job, however, I soon realized that all the work was in Hebrew. It required me to speak and write in Hebrew, as well as understand Israeli planning and building law. The language barrier and complex legalese meant that I needed to improve my language skills, and after searching for ways to advance my education, I found Hebrew University’s Planning and Building Law course. This led me to enroll in its Planning degree. However, before I could formally enroll, I needed to take a year of prerequisite studies. Overcoming the language barrier was the most difficult part. I would record the lessons and then review them once I got home, and in the end, I finished the year with good grades. I was finally able to start my master’s degree. I enjoyed writing research and position papers, and my professors were also pleased with my writing. These factors led me to remain in academia and pursue a thesis.
What tools did you acquire from the degree?
My Hebrew improved drastically. I finally understood Israel’s planning and building laws, I was able to grasp a better understanding of the reality in which we live, East Jerusalem included, and I was able to tie theory to reality. I was also able to establish a strong professional network and make new friends.
What did you enjoy the most during your degree?
I loved the atmosphere at the Urban Clinic, and I did not feel alone at all. When I felt lost, people were always there to help me. The Clinic was aware that we [Arab students] were encountering a new atmosphere and were constantly facing language barriers, so the staff guided and accompanied us.
Now that you work in the field, what do you think the program was lacking or did not teach?
As an architect, I felt like there needs to be more practice and hands-on planning. Perhaps more studios on spatial planning would have been beneficial as opposed to the numerous studios on social planning.
Sofia and Haim’s Studio on Planning and Designing of New Residential Neighborhoods (49883) was great and tied architecture and planning together.
(The course syllabus can be found here).
Where did you work after finishing your degree? Did the tools you acquired help you?
I currently work as a researcher at the Jerusalem Institute for Policy Research. I am often involved in research on East Jerusalem, and more recently have been researching public health. I am examining the franchise operating mechanism for HMOs, which is something the Ministry of Health only allows in East Jerusalem.
I also teach a course on governance and regime in Israeli policy at the pre-academic preparatory program at Hebrew University for East Jerusalem students and am a TA in the East Jerusalem Course: Policy, Economics, and Society (49850). Additionally, I recently joined a team of architects, which includes Dr. Yaara Rozner, that is working on a master plan for Abu Tor, a neighborhood in East Jerusalem.
My studies helped me gain a deeper understanding of the reality that shapes the planning processes in Jerusalem and expanded my social network. Dr. Emily Silverman recommended I work at the Jerusalem Institute, which is where I currently work.
Can you tell me about your thesis?
I wrote my thesis on informal multi-story construction in Kufr Aqab under Dr. Silverman’s supervision. I was born in Kufr Aqab and lived there up until the Second Intifada, while the neighborhood was still considered upper class. The neighborhood had green areas and I remember that we were always able to walk to my grandmother’s home. After marrying my husband, we moved back to the village, but only stayed for a year. During that time we experienced many hardships. I tried to understand why… What happened to Kufr Aqab? I was deeply affected by this ordeal. As a child, I experienced the village as a good and happy place, but when I returned as an adult, I was disgusted, I felt a lack of personal safety, and experienced a poor quality of life.
When I started my master’s in planning I tried to understand how developers were able to build 16-story buildings and how they were able to convince people to buy the apartments. In other words, what led to the phenomenon of multi-story informal building in Kufr Aqab? Was it the occupation? Do similar phenomena take place in other countries? How was this construction funded? How did people manage to purchase these apartments?
To frame my research, I defined ‘vertical informality’ as a process that resulted in at least seven-story tall buildings that were developed without a permit, plans, zoning, and without the intervention of banks (through loan or mortgage programs) to make a profit through the sale or rental of such apartments.
I learned that informal construction takes place worldwide. For example, during the 1990s, under Egypt’s weak government, citizens faced land scarcity, and people had nowhere to live. This led to informal multi-story construction. My research showed that in Jerusalem, people are willing to live under these conditions to retain their ID cards. Furthermore, they were able to purchase an apartment at a reasonable price. The price of these apartments in Kufr Aqab is lower than average because total costs are cheaper: there is no supervision, contractors can use cheap materials, and the purchasing process takes place without paying engineer fees.
Did writing your thesis lead you to view this phenomenon differently?
Before writing my thesis, I viewed Kufr Aqab as a slum and thought that informal construction is not suitable for housing. While I lived there I didn’t want to return home because of the traffic, sewage, and lack of privacy from my neighbors. However, writing my thesis enabled me to link this type of construction to the political reality. I realized that despite all their disadvantages, these multi-story structures provide housing solutions in poor neighborhoods in East Jerusalem. My perspective changed from a personal point of view to a more general perspective.
How did you adapt your thesis into an academic article? What did you learn from this experience?
I did not have any experience publishing papers, however, Dr. Nufar Avni, who gets published often, was available to help me. She guided me through the process of adapting a thesis into an academic article.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to pursue a doctorate.
What do you want to research?
I want to continue exploring the topic of vertical informality and focus on the social fabric of neighborhoods. I would also like to study development in the Shuafat refugee camp, especially because it takes place in the context of a refugee camp as opposed to a declining neighborhood like Kufr Aqab.
What inspires you?
My daughters. I want them to see what I do and my accompaniments. I want to be a role model for them. I feel like I work in a field that has the power to change society, and I want to give them the feeling that even though the road is tough, we can achieve our goals. I want them to believe that they can be whatever they want.
What is something the University to take into account to welcome Palestinian students?
That our political perspective is different from that of our Jewish peers.
What advice would you give to Palestinian students who are embarking on their academic studies?
I would encourage them to be more self-confident. “Don’t think that Jewish students are better than us, and don’t think that their learning methods are better than ours. We can also work hard and compete with others.”
I would also recommend that they start working during their studies and become more independent. “The sooner you enter ‘real life’ the easier it will be to acclimate to reality. And finally, don’t be afraid of hard work, things don’t come easily.”
What do you think changed in the way the University related to Palestinian students? What else needs to change?
Today there are many Palestinian Arab students enrolled in universities due to government efforts to reduce socio-economic gaps. I don’t know if this is good or not. Sometimes students will begin their studies without clear goals in mind. Numbers aren’t the only important factor. It is important that students are aware of their goals and keep true to their identity and being.
Did you face any obstacles as a Palestinian Arab woman at Hebrew University?
I thought I would face more obstacles. The language barrier was difficult, but that improved over time. I was also concerned about my academic performance and that I wouldn’t be able to compete with Jewish students.
I would like to thank my partner, a dentist, Masav Abu Garbi’ye, who supported me. He plays an important role in my life. He helped me prepare for my dissertation defense, spent a lot of time with our daughters while I was studying or running late, and took my place when I was absent. He is truly a life partner. I have a strong support system.
About the writer: Iman Ansari, Jerusalemite, Hebrew University alumna with a degree in Hebrew Language and Literature and Geography. Today Iman is completing her master’s degree in Hebrew Language and Literature and Urban and Regional Planning. She works as a TA in Hebrew studies at the Shalem Academic Center in the Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies program, a research aide in the Jerusalem Institute for Policy Research, and a creative writing teacher for 4-6th grade students at a center for gifted students in East Jerusalem. Furthermore, she is researching the feasibility of integrating the use of the Rav Kav bus pass in East Jerusalem’s bus network. This research is being done in collaboration with the University of Berkeley, Hebrew University, the Urban Clinic, and Tamara Krezner.
Translated by: Galya Globerman