An Elusive Home: Palestinian Refugees in LebanonThe plight of Palestinian refugees and their demand for a right of return to Palestine is key to the elusive peace in the Middle East. It is a struggle that has existed since the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, which Palestinians refer to as the <i>nakba</i>, Catastrophe.
<P>Some 395,000 Palestinians are stranded as refugees in Lebanon, where they do not qualify for citizenship -- even after five decades. As foreigners, they are barred from about 70 professions -- mainly white-collar jobs and civil service positions -- and do not qualify for state benefits. In all, the government denies them a chance to build a better life. <P>The discrimination does not end there. In 2001, Palestinian refugees lost the right to own real estate in Lebanon. They are barred from inheriting or registering any property they had already bought, or were in the process of acquiring, at the time the law was passed. Although the law does not specifically name the Palestinians, it refers to those who are not bearers of nationality of a recognized state.<P>The government is mindful of the Palestinians' role in the country's 1975-1990 civil war, and considers the mainly Sunni people a threat to the country's sectarian balance.<P>Officially, Lebanons position is that a majority of the public believes the refugees should be allowed to return to land they fled from or abandoned in 1948 with Israel's creation. The government maintains only Israel and the international community can solve the problem.
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<I>Alan Soon
Dec. 2004</I>http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-09-24/12710118_iSUUN-Ti.jpghttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/gallery/319682_hL7Pz/2004-12-14T21:05:13ZCopyright 2009, the copyright holder of each photograph. Some portions copyright SmugMug. All rights reserved.SmugMugUp to 395,000 registered Palestinian refugees are scattered throughout Lebanon, where they comprise almost 10 percent of the population. Half of the refugees live in camps, the highest conce ...<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />Up to 395,000 registered Palestinian refugees are scattered throughout Lebanon, where they comprise almost 10 percent of the population. Half of the refugees live in camps, the highest conce ...</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12710118_iSUUN" title="Up to 395,000 registered Palestinian refugees are scattered throughout Lebanon, where they comprise almost 10 percent of the population. Half of the refugees live in camps, the highest conce ..."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-09-24/12710118_iSUUN-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="Up to 395,000 registered Palestinian refugees are scattered throughout Lebanon, where they comprise almost 10 percent of the population. Half of the refugees live in camps, the highest conce ..." title="Up to 395,000 registered Palestinian refugees are scattered throughout Lebanon, where they comprise almost 10 percent of the population. Half of the refugees live in camps, the highest conce ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-02-22T14:55:13ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-09-24/12710118_iSUUN-Th.jpgPosters of the late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat's line the streets of Mar Elias camp in Beirut, the city where he once had his headquarters.Arafat's Palestine Liberation Organization ...<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />Posters of the late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat's line the streets of Mar Elias camp in Beirut, the city where he once had his headquarters.Arafat's Palestine Liberation Organization ...</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12710165_5ZyQu" title="Posters of the late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat's line the streets of Mar Elias camp in Beirut, the city where he once had his headquarters.Arafat's Palestine Liberation Organization ..."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-05-21/12710165_5ZyQu-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="Posters of the late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat's line the streets of Mar Elias camp in Beirut, the city where he once had his headquarters.Arafat's Palestine Liberation Organization ..." title="Posters of the late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat's line the streets of Mar Elias camp in Beirut, the city where he once had his headquarters.Arafat's Palestine Liberation Organization ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-02-22T14:53:58ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-05-21/12710165_5ZyQu-Th.jpgA black ribbon hangs off a car's antenna in Al Bass refugee camp near Tyre in a sign of mourning following the death of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat on Nov. 11. Palestinians in camps ...<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />A black ribbon hangs off a car's antenna in Al Bass refugee camp near Tyre in a sign of mourning following the death of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat on Nov. 11. Palestinians in camps ...</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12710462_jRvmw" title="A black ribbon hangs off a car's antenna in Al Bass refugee camp near Tyre in a sign of mourning following the death of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat on Nov. 11. Palestinians in camps ..."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-12-01-Tyre-01-13/12710462_jRvmw-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="A black ribbon hangs off a car's antenna in Al Bass refugee camp near Tyre in a sign of mourning following the death of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat on Nov. 11. Palestinians in camps ..." title="A black ribbon hangs off a car's antenna in Al Bass refugee camp near Tyre in a sign of mourning following the death of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat on Nov. 11. Palestinians in camps ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-06-08T05:03:44ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-12-01-Tyre-01-13/12710462_jRvmw-Th.jpgPhotos of a young Arafat share a window display with those of Arab and Western pop stars and the latest cell phones in Al Bass camp in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre.<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />Photos of a young Arafat share a window display with those of Arab and Western pop stars and the latest cell phones in Al Bass camp in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre.</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12741846_V99yb" title="Photos of a young Arafat share a window display with those of Arab and Western pop stars and the latest cell phones in Al Bass camp in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-12-01-Tyre-01-19/12741846_V99yb-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="Photos of a young Arafat share a window display with those of Arab and Western pop stars and the latest cell phones in Al Bass camp in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre." title="Photos of a young Arafat share a window display with those of Arab and Western pop stars and the latest cell phones in Al Bass camp in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-02-22T14:56:31ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-12-01-Tyre-01-19/12741846_V99yb-Th.jpgA larger-than-life portrait of late Hamas founder Sheik Ahmed Yassin towers over Shatila camp located outside Beirut. Yassin was assassinated by Israel in a missile attack in March 2004.Leba ...<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />A larger-than-life portrait of late Hamas founder Sheik Ahmed Yassin towers over Shatila camp located outside Beirut. Yassin was assassinated by Israel in a missile attack in March 2004.Leba ...</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12710280_oWx7C" title="A larger-than-life portrait of late Hamas founder Sheik Ahmed Yassin towers over Shatila camp located outside Beirut. Yassin was assassinated by Israel in a missile attack in March 2004.Leba ..."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-05-28/12710280_oWx7C-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="A larger-than-life portrait of late Hamas founder Sheik Ahmed Yassin towers over Shatila camp located outside Beirut. Yassin was assassinated by Israel in a missile attack in March 2004.Leba ..." title="A larger-than-life portrait of late Hamas founder Sheik Ahmed Yassin towers over Shatila camp located outside Beirut. Yassin was assassinated by Israel in a missile attack in March 2004.Leba ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-06-08T05:04:28ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-05-28/12710280_oWx7C-Th.jpgDecals carrying the images of Beirut-born Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah take center stage on a taxi's windshield.Hezbollah, meaning "Party of God," was established in 1982 followin ...<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />Decals carrying the images of Beirut-born Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah take center stage on a taxi's windshield.Hezbollah, meaning "Party of God," was established in 1982 followin ...</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12710536_ffkVe" title="Decals carrying the images of Beirut-born Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah take center stage on a taxi's windshield.Hezbollah, meaning "Party of God," was established in 1982 followin ..."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-12-01-Tyre-03-22/12710536_ffkVe-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="Decals carrying the images of Beirut-born Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah take center stage on a taxi's windshield.Hezbollah, meaning "Party of God," was established in 1982 followin ..." title="Decals carrying the images of Beirut-born Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah take center stage on a taxi's windshield.Hezbollah, meaning "Party of God," was established in 1982 followin ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-02-22T14:49:51ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-12-01-Tyre-03-22/12710536_ffkVe-Th.jpgA marble slab bearing the Star of David is embedded in the ground in front of an entrance to a home in Mar Elias camp in Beirut. The family stomps on the icon on their way in.<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />A marble slab bearing the Star of David is embedded in the ground in front of an entrance to a home in Mar Elias camp in Beirut. The family stomps on the icon on their way in.</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12710254_hMomk" title="A marble slab bearing the Star of David is embedded in the ground in front of an entrance to a home in Mar Elias camp in Beirut. The family stomps on the icon on their way in."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-04-23/12710254_hMomk-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="A marble slab bearing the Star of David is embedded in the ground in front of an entrance to a home in Mar Elias camp in Beirut. The family stomps on the icon on their way in." title="A marble slab bearing the Star of David is embedded in the ground in front of an entrance to a home in Mar Elias camp in Beirut. The family stomps on the icon on their way in." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-06-08T05:11:37ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-04-23/12710254_hMomk-Th.jpg"Peace, Zionism and the Road Map," reads the graffiti on the wall in Shatila camp.The so-called road map for peace was created in 2002 by the United States, Russia, the European Union and th ...<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />"Peace, Zionism and the Road Map," reads the graffiti on the wall in Shatila camp.The so-called road map for peace was created in 2002 by the United States, Russia, the European Union and th ...</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12744950_cyGnR" title=""Peace, Zionism and the Road Map," reads the graffiti on the wall in Shatila camp.The so-called road map for peace was created in 2002 by the United States, Russia, the European Union and th ..."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-07-06/12744950_cyGnR-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt=""Peace, Zionism and the Road Map," reads the graffiti on the wall in Shatila camp.The so-called road map for peace was created in 2002 by the United States, Russia, the European Union and th ..." title=""Peace, Zionism and the Road Map," reads the graffiti on the wall in Shatila camp.The so-called road map for peace was created in 2002 by the United States, Russia, the European Union and th ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-06-08T04:54:27ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-07-06/12744950_cyGnR-Th.jpgDecrepit, pockmarked buildings in Shatila bear the scars of a painful history. In 1982, the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps endured massacres of hundreds of civilians by Christian militiamen ...<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />Decrepit, pockmarked buildings in Shatila bear the scars of a painful history. In 1982, the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps endured massacres of hundreds of civilians by Christian militiamen ...</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12710307_gxJ4t" title="Decrepit, pockmarked buildings in Shatila bear the scars of a painful history. In 1982, the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps endured massacres of hundreds of civilians by Christian militiamen ..."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-05-30/12710307_gxJ4t-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="Decrepit, pockmarked buildings in Shatila bear the scars of a painful history. In 1982, the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps endured massacres of hundreds of civilians by Christian militiamen ..." title="Decrepit, pockmarked buildings in Shatila bear the scars of a painful history. In 1982, the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps endured massacres of hundreds of civilians by Christian militiamen ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-02-22T14:52:14ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-05-30/12710307_gxJ4t-Th.jpgShatila camp was established by the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1949 to accommodate thousands of refugees who poured into the area from northern Palestine after the 1948 war. ...<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />Shatila camp was established by the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1949 to accommodate thousands of refugees who poured into the area from northern Palestine after the 1948 war. ...</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12738782_bCUtc" title="Shatila camp was established by the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1949 to accommodate thousands of refugees who poured into the area from northern Palestine after the 1948 war. ..."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-06-17/12738782_bCUtc-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="Shatila camp was established by the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1949 to accommodate thousands of refugees who poured into the area from northern Palestine after the 1948 war. ..." title="Shatila camp was established by the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1949 to accommodate thousands of refugees who poured into the area from northern Palestine after the 1948 war. ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-02-22T14:54:06ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-06-17/12738782_bCUtc-Th.jpgResidents of Shatila are all too familiar with the scores of journalists who have made their way through the camp since it opened in 1949. Some are suspicious of reporters, who despite havin ...<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />Residents of Shatila are all too familiar with the scores of journalists who have made their way through the camp since it opened in 1949. Some are suspicious of reporters, who despite havin ...</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12710425_dUJzz" title="Residents of Shatila are all too familiar with the scores of journalists who have made their way through the camp since it opened in 1949. Some are suspicious of reporters, who despite havin ..."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-06-33/12710425_dUJzz-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="Residents of Shatila are all too familiar with the scores of journalists who have made their way through the camp since it opened in 1949. Some are suspicious of reporters, who despite havin ..." title="Residents of Shatila are all too familiar with the scores of journalists who have made their way through the camp since it opened in 1949. Some are suspicious of reporters, who despite havin ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-06-08T05:04:08ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-06-33/12710425_dUJzz-Th.jpgMerchants peddle Syrian-made Marlboro knock-offs in Shatila's market. A number of Syrian migrant workers and other nationalities share the camp with the Palestinians, competing for access to ...<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />Merchants peddle Syrian-made Marlboro knock-offs in Shatila's market. A number of Syrian migrant workers and other nationalities share the camp with the Palestinians, competing for access to ...</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12710330_GrZcC" title="Merchants peddle Syrian-made Marlboro knock-offs in Shatila's market. A number of Syrian migrant workers and other nationalities share the camp with the Palestinians, competing for access to ..."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-06-02/12710330_GrZcC-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="Merchants peddle Syrian-made Marlboro knock-offs in Shatila's market. A number of Syrian migrant workers and other nationalities share the camp with the Palestinians, competing for access to ..." title="Merchants peddle Syrian-made Marlboro knock-offs in Shatila's market. A number of Syrian migrant workers and other nationalities share the camp with the Palestinians, competing for access to ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-02-22T14:54:45ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-06-02/12710330_GrZcC-Th.jpgThe legacy of Arafat lingers over a new generation of Palestinian refugees. Critics of his policies hope his passing will improve chances for negotiations with Israel. Arafat died without se ...<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />The legacy of Arafat lingers over a new generation of Palestinian refugees. Critics of his policies hope his passing will improve chances for negotiations with Israel. Arafat died without se ...</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12710185_GBbee" title="The legacy of Arafat lingers over a new generation of Palestinian refugees. Critics of his policies hope his passing will improve chances for negotiations with Israel. Arafat died without se ..."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-04-26/12710185_GBbee-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="The legacy of Arafat lingers over a new generation of Palestinian refugees. Critics of his policies hope his passing will improve chances for negotiations with Israel. Arafat died without se ..." title="The legacy of Arafat lingers over a new generation of Palestinian refugees. Critics of his policies hope his passing will improve chances for negotiations with Israel. Arafat died without se ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-06-08T05:03:09ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-04-26/12710185_GBbee-Th.jpgMost children in Palestinian refugee camps attend schools funded by UNRWA.Their curriculum is determined by the education authorities in the locations where it operates, relying on old Jorda ...<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />Most children in Palestinian refugee camps attend schools funded by UNRWA.Their curriculum is determined by the education authorities in the locations where it operates, relying on old Jorda ...</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12710188_qTKqW" title="Most children in Palestinian refugee camps attend schools funded by UNRWA.Their curriculum is determined by the education authorities in the locations where it operates, relying on old Jorda ..."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-05-18/12710188_qTKqW-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="Most children in Palestinian refugee camps attend schools funded by UNRWA.Their curriculum is determined by the education authorities in the locations where it operates, relying on old Jorda ..." title="Most children in Palestinian refugee camps attend schools funded by UNRWA.Their curriculum is determined by the education authorities in the locations where it operates, relying on old Jorda ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-02-22T14:55:52ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-05-18/12710188_qTKqW-Th.jpgChildren in Shatila go online at a small Internet facility in the camp. The Internet has opened the door to direct communications with friends and families in Palestine as there are no direc ...<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />Children in Shatila go online at a small Internet facility in the camp. The Internet has opened the door to direct communications with friends and families in Palestine as there are no direc ...</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12710216_JCEDK" title="Children in Shatila go online at a small Internet facility in the camp. The Internet has opened the door to direct communications with friends and families in Palestine as there are no direc ..."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-06-24/12710216_JCEDK-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="Children in Shatila go online at a small Internet facility in the camp. The Internet has opened the door to direct communications with friends and families in Palestine as there are no direc ..." title="Children in Shatila go online at a small Internet facility in the camp. The Internet has opened the door to direct communications with friends and families in Palestine as there are no direc ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-06-08T05:10:23ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-06-24/12710216_JCEDK-Th.jpgA boy proudly displays his Coca-Cola shirt at a grocery store in Tyres Burj Al Shamali camp.<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />A boy proudly displays his Coca-Cola shirt at a grocery store in Tyres Burj Al Shamali camp.</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12742597_kCcnK" title="A boy proudly displays his Coca-Cola shirt at a grocery store in Tyres Burj Al Shamali camp."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-12-01-Tyre-01-09/12742597_kCcnK-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="A boy proudly displays his Coca-Cola shirt at a grocery store in Tyres Burj Al Shamali camp." title="A boy proudly displays his Coca-Cola shirt at a grocery store in Tyres Burj Al Shamali camp." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-06-08T05:09:05ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-12-01-Tyre-01-09/12742597_kCcnK-Th.jpgLiving alongside a hill of garbage in Shatila, the area -- with broken bottles, rotting furniture and sewage -- is a playground of sorts for neighborhood children who have nowhere else to pl ...<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />Living alongside a hill of garbage in Shatila, the area -- with broken bottles, rotting furniture and sewage -- is a playground of sorts for neighborhood children who have nowhere else to pl ...</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12744962_X5XH6" title="Living alongside a hill of garbage in Shatila, the area -- with broken bottles, rotting furniture and sewage -- is a playground of sorts for neighborhood children who have nowhere else to pl ..."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-06-08/12744962_X5XH6-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="Living alongside a hill of garbage in Shatila, the area -- with broken bottles, rotting furniture and sewage -- is a playground of sorts for neighborhood children who have nowhere else to pl ..." title="Living alongside a hill of garbage in Shatila, the area -- with broken bottles, rotting furniture and sewage -- is a playground of sorts for neighborhood children who have nowhere else to pl ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-06-08T05:09:28ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-06-08/12744962_X5XH6-Th.jpgChildren in Tyres Burj Al Shamali camp wave for the camera on the way home from school.The camp suffered much damage during the Lebanese civil war and the subsequent Israeli invasion. Parts ...<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />Children in Tyres Burj Al Shamali camp wave for the camera on the way home from school.The camp suffered much damage during the Lebanese civil war and the subsequent Israeli invasion. Parts ...</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12744967_eGVe6" title="Children in Tyres Burj Al Shamali camp wave for the camera on the way home from school.The camp suffered much damage during the Lebanese civil war and the subsequent Israeli invasion. Parts ..."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-10-30/12744967_eGVe6-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="Children in Tyres Burj Al Shamali camp wave for the camera on the way home from school.The camp suffered much damage during the Lebanese civil war and the subsequent Israeli invasion. Parts ..." title="Children in Tyres Burj Al Shamali camp wave for the camera on the way home from school.The camp suffered much damage during the Lebanese civil war and the subsequent Israeli invasion. Parts ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-02-22T14:53:34ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-10-30/12744967_eGVe6-Th.jpgSchoolchildren hurry home after the bell in Burj Al Shamali camp.
UNRWA runs 86 elementary, preparatory and secondary schools in Lebanon, where 41,500 students are enrolled. Female pupils m ...<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />Schoolchildren hurry home after the bell in Burj Al Shamali camp.
UNRWA runs 86 elementary, preparatory and secondary schools in Lebanon, where 41,500 students are enrolled. Female pupils m ...</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12744970_Vng34" title="Schoolchildren hurry home after the bell in Burj Al Shamali camp.
UNRWA runs 86 elementary, preparatory and secondary schools in Lebanon, where 41,500 students are enrolled. Female pupils m ..."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-10-16/12744970_Vng34-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="Schoolchildren hurry home after the bell in Burj Al Shamali camp.
UNRWA runs 86 elementary, preparatory and secondary schools in Lebanon, where 41,500 students are enrolled. Female pupils m ..." title="Schoolchildren hurry home after the bell in Burj Al Shamali camp.
UNRWA runs 86 elementary, preparatory and secondary schools in Lebanon, where 41,500 students are enrolled. Female pupils m ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-06-08T04:56:53ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-10-16/12744970_Vng34-Th.jpgShisha-smoking is a popular recreation among the youth in Shatila. Theres little work to be found; the International Committee of the Red Cross estimates the unemployment rate in such camps ...<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />Shisha-smoking is a popular recreation among the youth in Shatila. Theres little work to be found; the International Committee of the Red Cross estimates the unemployment rate in such camps ...</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12736371_hvjgX" title="Shisha-smoking is a popular recreation among the youth in Shatila. Theres little work to be found; the International Committee of the Red Cross estimates the unemployment rate in such camps ..."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-07-03/12736371_hvjgX-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="Shisha-smoking is a popular recreation among the youth in Shatila. Theres little work to be found; the International Committee of the Red Cross estimates the unemployment rate in such camps ..." title="Shisha-smoking is a popular recreation among the youth in Shatila. Theres little work to be found; the International Committee of the Red Cross estimates the unemployment rate in such camps ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-06-08T05:02:56ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-07-03/12736371_hvjgX-Th.jpgSukleen, a company established in 1994, is solely responsible for waste collection and street cleaning in Beirut. It has 2,000 employees -- mostly low paid Syrian men working to feed their f ...<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />Sukleen, a company established in 1994, is solely responsible for waste collection and street cleaning in Beirut. It has 2,000 employees -- mostly low paid Syrian men working to feed their f ...</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12710505_C3nvL" title="Sukleen, a company established in 1994, is solely responsible for waste collection and street cleaning in Beirut. It has 2,000 employees -- mostly low paid Syrian men working to feed their f ..."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-12-01-Tyre-03-23/12710505_C3nvL-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="Sukleen, a company established in 1994, is solely responsible for waste collection and street cleaning in Beirut. It has 2,000 employees -- mostly low paid Syrian men working to feed their f ..." title="Sukleen, a company established in 1994, is solely responsible for waste collection and street cleaning in Beirut. It has 2,000 employees -- mostly low paid Syrian men working to feed their f ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-06-08T05:07:49ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-12-01-Tyre-03-23/12710505_C3nvL-Th.jpgLawyer Dalal Yassine, 31, graduated from Beirut Arab University with a masters degree in international public law and policy. However, as a Palestinian, she is barred from working as a lawye ...<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />Lawyer Dalal Yassine, 31, graduated from Beirut Arab University with a masters degree in international public law and policy. However, as a Palestinian, she is barred from working as a lawye ...</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12710251_tcpLt" title="Lawyer Dalal Yassine, 31, graduated from Beirut Arab University with a masters degree in international public law and policy. However, as a Palestinian, she is barred from working as a lawye ..."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-01-26/12710251_tcpLt-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="Lawyer Dalal Yassine, 31, graduated from Beirut Arab University with a masters degree in international public law and policy. However, as a Palestinian, she is barred from working as a lawye ..." title="Lawyer Dalal Yassine, 31, graduated from Beirut Arab University with a masters degree in international public law and policy. However, as a Palestinian, she is barred from working as a lawye ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-06-08T05:15:46ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-01-26/12710251_tcpLt-Th.jpgYoussef Ahmad, 25, is the president of Palestinian Democratic Youth Union and lives in Burj Al Shamali camp in Tyre. Loosly based on Marxist ideals, PDYU has some 3,000 members made up of mo ...<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />Youssef Ahmad, 25, is the president of Palestinian Democratic Youth Union and lives in Burj Al Shamali camp in Tyre. Loosly based on Marxist ideals, PDYU has some 3,000 members made up of mo ...</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12744961_daivD" title="Youssef Ahmad, 25, is the president of Palestinian Democratic Youth Union and lives in Burj Al Shamali camp in Tyre. Loosly based on Marxist ideals, PDYU has some 3,000 members made up of mo ..."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-04-36/12744961_daivD-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="Youssef Ahmad, 25, is the president of Palestinian Democratic Youth Union and lives in Burj Al Shamali camp in Tyre. Loosly based on Marxist ideals, PDYU has some 3,000 members made up of mo ..." title="Youssef Ahmad, 25, is the president of Palestinian Democratic Youth Union and lives in Burj Al Shamali camp in Tyre. Loosly based on Marxist ideals, PDYU has some 3,000 members made up of mo ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-06-08T05:00:49ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-04-36/12744961_daivD-Th.jpgA member of the small Palestinian Authority police force helps provide security in Burj Al Shamali camp in Tyre, south of Lebanon. Palestinian camps in the country enjoy a greater level of i ...<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />A member of the small Palestinian Authority police force helps provide security in Burj Al Shamali camp in Tyre, south of Lebanon. Palestinian camps in the country enjoy a greater level of i ...</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12739853_EsafR" title="A member of the small Palestinian Authority police force helps provide security in Burj Al Shamali camp in Tyre, south of Lebanon. Palestinian camps in the country enjoy a greater level of i ..."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-09-20/12739853_EsafR-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="A member of the small Palestinian Authority police force helps provide security in Burj Al Shamali camp in Tyre, south of Lebanon. Palestinian camps in the country enjoy a greater level of i ..." title="A member of the small Palestinian Authority police force helps provide security in Burj Al Shamali camp in Tyre, south of Lebanon. Palestinian camps in the country enjoy a greater level of i ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-06-08T05:10:49ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-09-20/12739853_EsafR-Th.jpgA grocery store in Al Bass, one of 12 camps recognized by UNRWA. Originally built by the French in 1939 to accommodate Armenian refugees, the camp currently houses about 10,000 Palestinian r ...<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />A grocery store in Al Bass, one of 12 camps recognized by UNRWA. Originally built by the French in 1939 to accommodate Armenian refugees, the camp currently houses about 10,000 Palestinian r ...</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12744972_Mdbxy" title="A grocery store in Al Bass, one of 12 camps recognized by UNRWA. Originally built by the French in 1939 to accommodate Armenian refugees, the camp currently houses about 10,000 Palestinian r ..."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-12-01-Tyre-01-27/12744972_Mdbxy-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="A grocery store in Al Bass, one of 12 camps recognized by UNRWA. Originally built by the French in 1939 to accommodate Armenian refugees, the camp currently houses about 10,000 Palestinian r ..." title="A grocery store in Al Bass, one of 12 camps recognized by UNRWA. Originally built by the French in 1939 to accommodate Armenian refugees, the camp currently houses about 10,000 Palestinian r ..." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-02-22T14:51:49ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-12-01-Tyre-01-27/12744972_Mdbxy-Th.jpgA new water tower comes together in Burj Al Shamali camp in Tyre, located south of Lebanon, financed by UNRWA.<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />A new water tower comes together in Burj Al Shamali camp in Tyre, located south of Lebanon, financed by UNRWA.</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12742574_bQSGd" title="A new water tower comes together in Burj Al Shamali camp in Tyre, located south of Lebanon, financed by UNRWA."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-10-21/12742574_bQSGd-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="A new water tower comes together in Burj Al Shamali camp in Tyre, located south of Lebanon, financed by UNRWA." title="A new water tower comes together in Burj Al Shamali camp in Tyre, located south of Lebanon, financed by UNRWA." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-06-08T05:20:35ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-10-21/12742574_bQSGd-Th.jpgShatila's residents collect water from a station in the camp. Ninety-seven percent of UNRWA's camps in Lebanon have access to water. A pharmacy is located next door.<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />Shatila's residents collect water from a station in the camp. Ninety-seven percent of UNRWA's camps in Lebanon have access to water. A pharmacy is located next door.</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12742742_hVWpe" title="Shatila's residents collect water from a station in the camp. Ninety-seven percent of UNRWA's camps in Lebanon have access to water. A pharmacy is located next door."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-06-16/12742742_hVWpe-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="Shatila's residents collect water from a station in the camp. Ninety-seven percent of UNRWA's camps in Lebanon have access to water. A pharmacy is located next door." title="Shatila's residents collect water from a station in the camp. Ninety-seven percent of UNRWA's camps in Lebanon have access to water. A pharmacy is located next door." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-02-22T14:54:33ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-06-16/12742742_hVWpe-Th.jpgA game of backgammon helps a group of residents while away the time at Shatila camp.<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />A game of backgammon helps a group of residents while away the time at Shatila camp.</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12744949_bE8HQ" title="A game of backgammon helps a group of residents while away the time at Shatila camp."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-07-09/12744949_bE8HQ-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="A game of backgammon helps a group of residents while away the time at Shatila camp." title="A game of backgammon helps a group of residents while away the time at Shatila camp." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-06-08T05:01:40ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-07-09/12744949_bE8HQ-Th.jpgThe Foosball table, seen here in Tyres Burj Al Shamali camp, is a common fixture in some Palestinian camps.<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />The Foosball table, seen here in Tyres Burj Al Shamali camp, is a common fixture in some Palestinian camps.</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12744964_mYjFH" title="The Foosball table, seen here in Tyres Burj Al Shamali camp, is a common fixture in some Palestinian camps."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-10-22/12744964_mYjFH-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="The Foosball table, seen here in Tyres Burj Al Shamali camp, is a common fixture in some Palestinian camps." title="The Foosball table, seen here in Tyres Burj Al Shamali camp, is a common fixture in some Palestinian camps." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-06-08T04:52:01ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-11-23-Beirut-10-22/12744964_mYjFH-Th.jpgPosters of U.S. rapper Eminem decorate the walls of this barber shop in Al Bass camp in Tyre.<p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com">Alan Soon</a><br />Posters of U.S. rapper Eminem decorate the walls of this barber shop in Al Bass camp in Tyre.</p><p><a href="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/319682_hL7Pz#12742247_4LDDt" title="Posters of U.S. rapper Eminem decorate the walls of this barber shop in Al Bass camp in Tyre."><img src="http://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-12-01-Tyre-01-12/12742247_4LDDt-Th.jpg" width="150" height="99" alt="Posters of U.S. rapper Eminem decorate the walls of this barber shop in Al Bass camp in Tyre." title="Posters of U.S. rapper Eminem decorate the walls of this barber shop in Al Bass camp in Tyre." style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p>2009-02-22T14:53:34ZAlan Soonhttp://monsoon.smugmug.comhttp://monsoon.smugmug.com/Journalism/An-Elusive-Home-Palestinian/2004-12-01-Tyre-01-12/12742247_4LDDt-Th.jpg