How the Gush Katif Expelled Are Forced to Live By Regime…

A Day in the Refugee Camp by Rachel Saperstein, Neve Dekalim/Nitzan

Excerpts;

A year and three months have passed since our expulsion from Gush Katif. We live in the refugee camp of Nitzan between Ashdod and Ashkelon. This plywood “caravilla” is not our home. In two or more years Moshe and I will once again receive our notice of eviction. As of today not one person has received permission to build permanent housing. Work is in progress on infrastructure in the upper heights of Nitzan but lots have yet to be allocated. Settlement in the Lachish area has been stalled. The hill called “Egoz” has been declared a ‘green’ area, a ‘military’ area, an ‘electrical pylon’ area. We must look for another hill. When we visit the Lachish area we see in the distance hundreds of Arab homes that have been built willy-nilly on every hill and dale. There is barely a Jewish presence in the area. Meanwhile we continue to live in the refugee camp.

Today I have many meetings. Aliza, Director of Cultural Activities of Neve Dekalim, arrives with a shopping list.

“We need a Torah Corner for a kindergarten class. Story books and games for others. And a crafts program for senior citizens.” And her list continues.

“Isn’t the Hof Ashkelon Council supposed to give you money for these activities?” I ask.

“Yes, but I never receive it. Can Operation Dignity help us?”

I give a discreet envelope.

“Buy and enjoy!”

Anat, a gem of a woman, who ran the dozens of cultural programs at the “Matnas” Community Center, has just quit. She came over to tell me why. “Rachel, I couldn’t pay the people who came to run activities. Money was held up. The workers had to beg for their payments. Anat herself had received a paycheck of less than 150 dollars per month.

I dropped off an “envelope” at the home of one family. The mom is seriously ill. “Buy something pretty” I implored. I left a few of my House and Garden magazines. Like me, she loves beautiful things. Tomorrow I’ll bring my thick vegetable soup. Others will bring chicken, brown rice and vegetables. May Hashem grant her strength to withstand her ordeal.