The hard journey of displacement
Written winter 2022.
Uncle Walid's journey is a testament to the resilience and determination of those who have experienced the hardships of displacement. After diligently building a home and two shops for his children, his efforts were abruptly destroyed by a missile strike.
"I planted these lands and built two shops for my children, and just after finishing building the shops, they were bombed by a vacuum missile and completely destroyed. Me, my children, and grandchildren, 40 people, left the house with no place to go. A missile fell on the house after we left, destroying everything. In one moment, my entire life's work was in vain".
With nowhere else to turn, Uncle Walid, his children, and grandchildren had to leave everything behind and seek refuge elsewhere.
They found temporary shelter in various locations, but the constant bombings and harsh conditions forced them to keep moving. Eventually, they found an area where Uncle Walid and his family constructed a camp. After some time, the owner kicked them out under the pretext that he needed the land. They rented another piece of land and established the Al-Rasheed camp, only to face eviction once again after the landowner's passing.
"We just wanted to settle in a camp, without being expelled from it".
They eventually found a camp where they currently reside, renting the land with a three-year commitment from the owner. He shares, "We don't know if we can be happy because of the long period or to be sad because day by day we are losing hope of returning to our homes." Uncle Walid tells us he chose to be happy because he found hope while preparing the land and installing the tents.
Despite finding land for a long-term agreement, they face extreme hardships living in tents exposed to the elements.
"Everyone was praying for rain but us. Because when it rains, we lose the ability to get out of the tent, and water enters us from every side. And we start by taking out the water in the bucket. In addition, the water trucks can no longer enter the camp, and we will need water for two or three days until the ground is dry."
During the middle of winter, thanks to the support of ECHO, the SARD team stepped in to improve the camp's conditions. They gravelled the camp roads and insulating the tents with cement blocks and stones, providing protection against water and the cold ground.
The impact of SARD's intervention was transformative for Uncle Walid and his family.
“We no longer worry about rain or anything else. Now we wait for the rain to go out and walk under it. The ground has become as fine as flint, cars easily enter and exit from it. More importantly, the tents became insulated from the ground. thank you and I pray that God gives you what you deserve for your work and gives you strength and health."
While the journey is far from over, Uncle Walid remains hopeful.
While we remain in awe of Uncle Walid's hope and resilience, we know that living in tents is not a long-term solution. Tents, exposed to the elements, can only provide limited protection and security. Uncle Walid deserves a break from being resilient and the opportunity to live with his family where he can be safe and secure.
We invite you to join us in working towards a future where Uncle Walid and his family can truly thrive.