Al Tafawk Update 27th May
This week, the children of Al Tafawk marked Eid al-Adha, though the celebrations were subdued. At this time of year, children would usually receive toys as gifts, enjoy a feast of lamb, and gather with family and neighbours. It is a time of giving, sharing, and generosity.
This year, however, soldiers in Jenin broke into toy shops across the city, smashing toys and preventing families from buying gifts for their children. Families and neighbours have been scattered since leaving the camp, and restrictions on movement have made it difficult for people to come together. Families trying to visit the graves of loved ones in the cemetery were tear gassed. Food prices are extremely high, and many children went to bed hungry.
At the center, the staff did their best to create a sense of occasion: the children danced and received sweets to mark the celebration. They were reminded that they were lucky - at least they have a place to dance.
Mona was very low in spirit when I spoke to her today, her heart heavy. The situation is just awful and there is no end in sight.
The behaviour of the soldiers continues to worsen, seemingly completely unchecked. Yesterday a woman had to kneel with a gun at her head and watch her son being beaten. A heart attack killed her.
The soldiers themselves are new. Mona reports that they are unable to speak either Arabic or Hebrew - it is thought they may speak Spanish, but Mona wasn’t sure. They are young - between the ages of 20 - 24 and white. They are stealing phones, money - even searching in women’s underwear where some of the women hide the small amounts they have. They are trying to keep people shut in their homes so it is risky to move about.
Food prices continue to rise while the salaries of government workers continue to fall. An apple now costs around a dollar, and the price of medicine has doubled. At the same time, salaries have dropped to less than half of what they once were. Taxes have increased, and banks are calling in loans, deducting repayments directly at source. This means that some people are left working for very little income, while others end up owing money.
In recent days Mona has only been able to take about 50 children to the center - she is just unable to feed 70. One minute the children are fine, the next, for no apparent reason they scream and cry. Overcrowding, sleepless nights, hunger and fear are all taking their toll.
Mona tells me that they feel as though they are dying slowly and without dignity. None of them feel safe, and hunger is a constant reality for many. Yet she knows she must keep going; there is no other choice. The children and their parents rely on Al Tafawk for the sense of stability, hope, and care that it provides. Mona wishes Al Tafawk didn’t have to rely on donations, but she knows the center cannot continue without them. She understands that many others also have little money to spare, and she is deeply grateful for every contribution. She is equally thankful for the solidarity and support people continue to show. She asks for our prayers.
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