ABSTRACT
In this chapter I will explore the discursive relationships between notions of belonging, sense of place and spatial planning in Israel. It analyses a specific case study; the conflict between Muslim organisations and communities and the local Jewish council of Nesher (north Israel) around the preservation of an old Muslim graveyard in which one of the Arab leaders Iz A-din el Kassam is buried. The local municipality wanted to construct the main road leading to the council on the edges of the graveyard and to expropriate some parts of the graveyard. This intention caused tremendous conflicts and negotiations between the two sides until a compromise has been achieved. This case study highlights interesting dilemmas as to how to define belonging as part of a sense of place; who defines which land and its symbolism belongs to whom, especially as related to the minority Palestinian citizens of Israel whose ‘sense of place and belonging’ contradicts or is perceived as threatening the ‘sense of place and belonging’ of the majority hegemonic Jews. Additionally, perhaps the most controversial issue stemms from this article is the role of spatial planning in preserving or destroying notions of belonging and sense of place.
