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Photo Story of Jerash Camp SAMAH SABAWI Photo 01  The winding mountain road that leads to the camp is incredibly scenic. The open panoramic view along the way increases the shock one feels when entering the narrow roads of the camp. Jerash camp lies 50km north of Amman, about 5km from the town of Jaresh. Photo 02  Jerash camp (known as Gaza camp) has a reputation for the worst living conditions. It was established in 1968 for 11,500 Palestinians from Gaza. 37 years later, it has become home to 27,916 refugees. Photo 03  Palestinians from Gaza cannot work for the government, vote or run for election. They cannot serve in the Jordanian army, or work in the civil service or other employment for which Jordanian nationality is a prerequisite. They are thus highly dependent on UNRWA and the Department of Palestinian Affairs. Photo 04  In Jerash Camp, UNRWA runs 4 schools for 4,267 enrolled pupils in 2003/2004, with a teaching staff of 130. Due to the growing refugee population and limited resources most UNRWA schools now operate on a double shift. Photo 05  “Why should any strangers live in my land? Why should Russians settle there? I want to go home. Don’t give away my rights.” Abu Ali (Mhamad Mousa Hassan), a Bedouin from the Negev who was exiled in 1948. Photo 06  When I left Abu Ali’s house, his daughter insisted I take home with me some of their Eid Ca’ak for my children. I was touched by the generosity of those who have so little but can give so much. Photo 07  “I lived in refugee camps all my life, I don’t want to die here. Palestine is our home; Beersheba was our life and that of our ancestors. We are connected to its land and its people. If we return to its soil we’ll be happy.” Um Tawfiq is from the Arabs of Sharee’a in Beersheba. She was exiled in 1948. Photo 08  “We want the world to know there is no alternative to our right of return. Even the youngest of our children here know they have a right to return. We can’t allow the occupation to last. Give us back our land." Abu Sosiel, exiled 1948 All photos © Samah Sabawi - please credit the author, with a link to this article, if you use any of them Samah Sabawi, originally from Gaza and whose permanent residence is now Ottawa, is a writer and activist with Canadian Friends of Sabeel. Her work also appears in several other media, including a play, "Cries from the Land" co-authored with her father, Abdel-Karim Sabawi, and sponsored by Friends of Sabeel and Canpalnet-Ottawa.org. |
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