DHEISHEH REFUGEE CAMP

Dheisheh camp was established in 1949 within the municipal boundaries of Bethlehem on 430 dunums. The camp's residents were particularly active during the intifadah. The Israeli authorities built a fence around the camp and a metal turnstile for the main entrance, which were in place for almost eight years to prevent stone throwing at passing Israeli cars on the main Jerusalem-Hebron road. In 1995, the camp came under Palestinian Authority control, and the fence has since been removed.

In 1995, the camp residents established a camp committee which is now one of the most active committees in the West Bank refugee camps. In 1996, the committee organized a "telethon" under the sponsorship of a popular Palestinian Legislative Council member, and was able to collect at least 600 tons of asphalt and $20,000 for surfacing the camp's roads and alleys. Dheisheh was the first camp in the West Bank to sign a twinning agreement with the French town of Montitueir in 1991/1992. Ibdaa' (Innovation), the camp's cultural centre, promotes cultural activities through its 60-strong children's folkloric dance troupe. The children's troupe has toured and performed in numerous countries, including France and Greece. Ibdaa' is currently building a guest house at the entrance to the camp.

In 1997, UNRWA constructed and equipped a new girls' school with contributions from USAID.

FACTS AND FIGURES

• Registered Refugee Population: 12,045.
• Special hardship cases: 301 families.
• Number of damaged shelters that have been affected due to the IDF incursions in the West Bank since the beginning of the Intifada till March 2004: 26 in which 25 were assisted.
• Number of families receiving emergency food rations: 1375
• Number of pupils: Male: 1300, female: 1400
• A new physiotherapy center was established in lie of the old supplement feeding center.