We Have a Dream to Live Safe

Life in Palestinian refugee camp, Aida, as told by a young child.

There were clashes every day in the camp, which continued from July 2014 until the beginning of 2015. The soldiers suppressed the protests,shooting more than 500 tear gas canisters a day, shooting plastic, rubber and live bullets, throwing sound bombs and injuring more than 100 people of all ages. During the nights, more than 100 soldiers would occupy the camp, raiding houses, arresting children and youth.

In October 2015, another wave of violence started across all Historic Palestine, and clashes broke out again in Aida Camp. At the beginning of October, the Israeli forces killed Abdelrahman Obeidallah, 13 years old, with a bullet to his chest. Not long after, in January 2016, 21-year old Srour Abu Srour, from Aida was also killed by the Israeli army in Bethlehem. During this time three other youth from Bethlehem were killed by the Israeli forces, and over 200 Palestinians in total across all Palestine. Since October until today, clashes and incursions by the Israeli army have been common occurrence in Aida camp, and several youth have been arrested during night raids.