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Camp Life

Few people experience true camp life, a la a refugee one, in a place like Bethlehem.

Daz Chandler did - and reports on her experiences in a vivid and detailed piece on newmatilda.com:

"Living under these unique and difficult circumstances forges a sense of community unlike anything I'd previously experienced. On a practical level, the residents have made their camp as self-sufficient as possible. Aida has its own corner shops, fruit and vegetable vendors, mosque, youth centres and UNRWA school — many residents never leave the camp environment. And yes, living in such a tight-knit community certainly has its ups and downs. Several individuals complained regularly about the lack of privacy, that nothing ever goes unnoticed. In addition to being surrounded by the occupying forces, the homes are literally on top of each other and the walls are paper-thin. Everyone inside the camp knows everyone and has done for three generations. And, of course, like any small suburb — not everyone gets along. But, standard community dilemmas aside, there is a tangible solidarity present, which unites all individuals regardless of their history and political stance."

Read the piece in full here.

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