[NYer]

For many of us in the west, today's visit to the Palestinian refugee camp is challenging to comprehend. Keep in mind that the Holy Lands are home to many peoples who trace their family heritage back thousands of years. One of the christian palestinians who made a presentation to the pope, related how his family had lived in Nazareth for more than 2000 years. These people have lost their homes - residences that date back hundreds of years - and their children, born in this refugee camp, speak of holding the "keys" to their family homes, waiting for the day when they will return. Sadly, some of their villages no longer exist. They have been bulldozed over and their homes forever lost.

We americans are accustomed to moving around from one state to another, one residence to another. In the Middle East, what marks a family is its name and town of origin. Essentially, these refugees have lost their ancestral homesteads are now walled up in camps, numbering 52, until a resolution can be achieved. They view themselves as living in the diaspora.

[SunkenCiv]

My visit to the Aida Refugee Camp this afternoon gives me a welcome opportunity to express my solidarity with all the homeless Palestinians who long to be able to return to their birthplace, or to live permanently in a homeland of their own... To all the officials of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency who care for the refugees, I express the appreciation felt by countless men and women all over the world for the work that is done here and in other camps throughout the region. I extend a particular greeting to the pupils and teachers in the school. By your commitment to education you are expressing hope in the future.

[onedoug]

How old is this “refugee camp”? The Pope is being hosed. And if he isn’t he’s just plain dangerous. What a terrible disppointment.