Al A’zzah Camp

In the heart of Bethlehem, nestled within the bustling city, lies Al A’zzah Camp. A place brimming with stories, Al A’zzah Camp holds a unique position as the smallest of the 59 refugee camps in the West Bank. Established in 1950, Al A’zzah Camp initially occupied a mere 20 dunams, a testament to the constrained circumstances of its founding. Al A’zzah Camp takes its name from a respected Palestinian family who originated from Beit Jibrin, a village west of the Hebron Hills, now located within present-day Israel. The camp’s history is intertwined with the larger narrative of displacement and resilience that characterizes the Palestinian refugee experience. Al A’zzah Camp relies on services provided by UNRWA workers based in the nearby Aida Camp. Interestingly, Al A’zzah Camp itself lacks dedicated medical and educational facilities within its boundaries. This has led to an administrative merger with Aida Camp to ensure residents of Al A’zzah Camp have access to these essential services. Population figures for Al A’zzah Camp have fluctuated over the years. In 2005, UNRWA recorded a population of 2,025. By 2006, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics projected a slightly lower figure of 1,750. More recent data from 2016 indicated approximately 1,337 refugees within a total population of 2,900. The most recent count, conducted in 2017 by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, reported 1,523 residents. Since 1995, Al A’zzah Camp has been under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian National Authority, marking a significant shift in its administrative oversight. Al A’zzah Camp stands as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by displaced communities. It represents a microcosm of the broader Palestinian refugee situation, reflecting both the hardships and the enduring spirit of those who call it home.