Mona told me about an incident last week involving a woman closely associated with the Center.

At around 6:30pm, the woman was driving a short distance with a female friend and several children in the car.

Without warning, soldiers ambushed the vehicle, shooting at the wheels, banging on the windows and bonnet, and ordering her to stop, which she of course did.

Many of the children attending Al Tafawk have been staying in rooms at the Arab American University. Although these rooms are overcrowded, with extended families often sharing a single room, at least they provided a roof over their heads. Unfortunately…

Two days before Graduation day at Al Tafawk, soldiers prevented two of the teachers and a group of 16 children from getting to the Kindergarten. As there was no fuel to be bought for the minibus they were making the dangerous journey on foot when a group of about 14 armed Israeli soldiers stopped them on the street. They were all held there for several hours, sitting in the hot sun.

This week was a special one for many of the children at Al Tafawk Kindergarten as they celebrated their graduation.

Today brings some wonderful news for the older students of Jenin Refugee Camp.

Around 150 girls and boys have successfully passed the exams needed to apply for courses at the Arab American University. This is an extraordinary achievement.

The journey to Al Tafawk Kindergarten begins before sunrise for both the children and the staff and their journey is not an easy one.

When families were still living in the camp, most children could simply walk to the Center on their own. Today, the residents of the camp remain displaced, having been expelled by the Israeli military.

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.