Bondage

Many refugees are currently living in refugee camps in various locations across the world to avoid the dangers within their homeland. This camp from the photograph is in southern Lebanon. The camp is called Burj el-Shamali. It is one of the most poverty stricken camps in Lebanon. In 1948, the formation of the state of Israel forced many individuals to leave their homes and settle in this camp. There are more than 20, 000 refugee living within its walls. I would suggest venturing to see more pictures through this given site at the bottom of the page to get a better look at the residing tone of the camp. The homes are made of zinc roofing and have little or no plumbing. The water supply is sparse as well as the overall income.
I remember making forts with my little cousins in my grandma’s yard. These shelters that are housing families are not much more protective or secure than the playhouse we made from random scraps found along the dirt roads in Arizona.
It is so difficult to comprehend the amount of trials these individuals wake up to every day. Though the refugees all started with different histories and backgrounds, they are now connected and forced to live in a degrading lifestyle.
These camps such as Burj el- Shamali contain a wide variety of individuals and families. The elderly in the refugee camps wait patiently to return to their homes, many still possessing the keys to enter. On the other hand many Palestinians have never even been to Palestine because of their life years spent within the camps. However, they all have a similar desire to lead healthy, successful lives. These camps are restricting growth and prosperity among the many citizens who have previously known their rights.


Works Cited:

"Burj el-Shemali Refugee Camp: A Photo Essay." Gallery 2. Photos du Centre des médias alternatifs du Québec - CMAQ, 2005. Web. 17 Mar. 2010.

Website:http://photos.cmaq.net/v/burj-el-shemali/?g2_page=3