|
Jenin's Hope By Yiota Kamaratos From Cyprus October 13th - The Peace Cycle entered into the West Bank anxious to learn how Palestinians live under occupation. Passing through the Israeli checkpoints was surprisingly easy. From the Jamalieh checkpoint, the cyclists rode into the Jenin Refugee Camp, where they were welcomed by the enormous sized horse which was made of the scrap metal from the cars and ambulances crushed by the Israeli tanks during the incursion into the camp in 2002. The horse stands tall at the main entrance to the refugee camp, symbolyzing the strength of the people of the Jenin Refugee Camp. However, the question most commonly asked by the its residents has always been "Why are we continuously facing this agression by the Israeli military?" Having visited Jenin one year ago, the atmosphere was uncertain and tense regarding the camp's future based on its past. Many lost sight of hope, and were adamant in taking revenge on the state of Israel, who had brought death and destruction to their lives. Today, Jenin's hope is emerging through the camp's youth. The Freedom Theatre and the Jenin Cinema are examples of the opportunities this generation of young Palestinians have to develop themselves into individuals armed with self-confidence and a love for life, and not for sacrifice. Through the Theatre and Cinema projects, they are taught to direct their energy towards learning skills such as directing and performing in plays, creative writing, peace education, children's theater, photography and technical skills. The tools given to these youngsters have never been offered on this scale before. Jenin's youth are eager to live life to its fullest. As one young boy said, "I want to die of a natural death," not by fighting the Israelis with guns. The weapons that are being supplied to the youth are education, skills and optimism to enable them to fulfill their dreams of being creative, productive and having a postive impact on their society. They strive to live in dignity, representing a new breed of cultured Palestinian youth. Jenin had once fallen to its knees, but it is a fact that the Jenin Refugee Camp is standing tall and proud. |