“Home.” That single word echoes through the alleys of \u0645\u062e\u064a\u0645 \u0628\u064a\u062a \u062c\u0628\u0631\u064a\u0646 \u0644\u0644\u0627\u062c\u0626\u064a\u0646. But what does “home” truly mean for its residents?
Welcome to \u0645\u062e\u064a\u0645 \u0628\u064a\u062a \u062c\u0628\u0631\u064a\u0646 \u0644\u0644\u0627\u062c\u0626\u064a\u0646 also known as \\’Azza. This Palestinian refugee camp sits within Bethlehem. It is the smallest refugee camp in the West Bank.
Established in 1950, \u0645\u062e\u064a\u0645 \u0628\u064a\u062a \u062c\u0628\u0631\u064a\u0646 \u0644\u0644\u0627\u062c\u0626\u064a\u0646 spans just 0.02 square kilometers. This is a very small area. The camp’s establishment followed the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Many Palestinians were displaced.
\u0645\u062e\u064a\u0645 \u0628\u064a\u062a \u062c\u0628\u0631\u064a\u0646 \u0644\u0644\u0627\u062c\u0626\u064a\u0646 gets its name from Beit Jibrin. This was a depopulated village west of the Hebron Hills.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency UNRWA provides services here. However \u0645\u062e\u064a\u0645 \u0628\u064a\u062a \u062c\u0628\u0631\u064a\u0646 \u0644\u0644\u0627\u062c\u0626\u064a\u0646 lacks its own medical and educational facilities. To solve this, it was merged with the Aida camp.
In 2017, the population was 1523. These residents rely on UNRWA for essential services. Water is a precious resource here. The camp faces challenges in water supply. About 30% of water needs are met. This is supplemented by purchasing water. This can become costly especially in the summer.
Life in \u0645\u062e\u064a\u0645 \u0628\u064a\u062a \u062c\u0628\u0631\u064a\u0646 \u0644\u0644\u0627\u062c\u0626\u064a\u0646 is marked by resilience. Residents face daily struggles. They also hold onto hope. They dream of a better future. Many residents still originate from Beit Jibrin. Over 60 families have roots there.
The camp falls under the control of the Palestinian National Authority since 1995.
As you look around, consider the history. Consider the people of \u0645\u062e\u064a\u0645 \u0628\u064a\u062a \u062c\u0628\u0631\u064a\u0646 \u0644\u0644\u0627\u062c\u0626\u064a\u0646. Despite the difficult conditions, life continues. The spirit of the community endures. Their connection to their heritage remains strong.