|
|
|
|
|
|
Port of Call |
LAST UPDATE October 7, 2007
|
|
| site design imagesparkle.com |
| July 6, 2007 |
Aqaba, Jordan - Hoping for a Homeland: Listening to refugees’ stories in Souf Camp |
|
| |
 |
| Souf Camp near Jerash is home to refugees who fled the Arab-Israeli and Six-Day wars in the region |
After nearly 60 years of waiting, millions of Palestinians remain in a state of limbo. Caught in the violence of 1948 and 1967, they were driven from their homes to find refuge in surrounding countries such as Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Now they are left to wonder whether they will ever get to see the homeland they long for again. As newspapers and television overload on news of the bloody struggle that continues within Israel/Palestine, the hopes of those scattered across the refugee camps of the Middle East are easily forgotten. To find out more about these people’s lives in their own words, Peace Boat participants travelled north through the desert to take part in a Homestay Programme with the residents of Souf Camp, near Jerash. |
site design imagesparkle.com |
 |
| Houses are still being built in Souf as the population grows |
Just under two million Palestinians currently live in Jordan, an “oasis of peace” in a region troubled by conflict. The Government was keen to help their Arabic brothers and sisters and so provided the refugees with permanent houses and essential services to replace the makeshift tents that first sprung up. Yet despite the nation’s hospitality, no one thought they would still be here today. As a result, the 13 camps across the country were never built to cope with growing numbers. Now a third generation of refugees means 15,000 people are crowded into the narrow streets of Souf Camp. In the baking heat of just one tin-roofed home, a curious group of Japanese visitors were introduced to 13 family members all crammed in, as they were invited to sample a traditional yoghurt-based dish of mansaf. |
| |
 |
| A second generation refugee, Hamza Ahmad Al-Jawabrah, believes Palestine should be returned to his people |
Participants could see for themselves the basic housing conditions as they explored the camps on foot. But more telling was the rich detail found behind the doors of those homes. Posters and Palestinian flags hang from the walls, alongside intricate murals depicting the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem – a sacred site for the Palestinians and a symbol of their struggle. All serve as a constant reminder of the homeland they hope to go back to. Growing up in this environment, the second and third generation refugees are as passionate as their parents and grandparents. “I have never seen Palestine,” Hamza Ahmad Al-Jawabrah told his guests, “but I have it in my heart. It is our motherland”. |
| |
 |
| Participants heard from the refugees directly as they were welcomed into their homes |
With the sun going down over the camp, families welcomed participants into their homes overnight to learn a little more of their lives. Older relatives shared the stories of their flight from Palestine over sweet Arabic tea. Younger generations discussed the complexity of the conflict with Israel long into the morning. The wish to return home was expressed by all, yet there were differing views of how this could be achieved. “War is essential,” argued one refugee. “Without it we will lose more Palestinian land”. Most were in favour of ceasing the violence however. “I want an end to all the warring. Many lives have already been lost. Now we just want peace and the chance to return,” said another. |
| |
 |
| The hopes for peace and a return to Palestine rest on the younger generations of the camp |
Around 80 per cent of Palestinian refugees have moved out of the camps to find work and a place to live elsewhere in Jordan. Still, many are unable to move on, struggling to gain employment or give up the belief that their next move will be back to the land of Palestine. Even at age 70, Alia Hussen is determined: “I cannot die until I go back to Palestine,” she explained to the participants. “I still dream of returning, but I just can’t compromise with the Israelis, it’s too painful. Hopefully our children, or our children’s children, will be able to communicate with them and eventually make peace”. |
| |
 |
| A Japanese participant shares her photos with the family and friends she met |
As the dusty streets came to life the next morning, several participants reflected on what they had heard and seen. “I tried to learn about the Palestinian problem ahead of our visit and thought I could understand it all from studying. But what I experienced was quite different. Hearing from these people made me realise how complex this situation is. There is no easy solution, but now I want to find out what I can do to make effective change,” said Moegi Amano. As the Peace Boat continues its journey onwards, she is joined by many others on the ship, inspired not only to learn more about the plight of Palestinians they may hear of in the media, but to help the families and friends they will remember in Souf Camp.
The refugee camps in Jordan are overseen by the Department of Palestinian Affairs (DPA). You can contact the DPA via email at: dpa[a]tedata.gov.jo
|
| |
|
|
|
