The Israeli military came through the camp today. It was about 2:30 in the afternoon and I was sitting up in the packed restaurant occupied by a group of around 40 Italians, the media workshop group, the play therapy workshop group and various others. A loud explosion-like sound erupted in the distance. No one really moved after the first one but the second one was much closer and then people were crowding to the windows as several military vehicles drove down the highway in between the Dheisheh camp and the Doha village. This highway passes right in front of the Ibdaa building. Don’t worry too much, these were just noise bombs meant to intimidate the people. Over the next few hours I was able to piece together a little of what was happening.

On the hill above the Dheisheh camp there are Israeli settlers trying to take over some land, they are carrying weapons. The Israeli military is charged with keeping the settlers from appropriating this Palestinian land but in the process they seek to suppress the Palestinians and prevent any uprisings. There are several new fences around Palestinian villages and new checkpoints. I still only partially understand what’s happening. Two hours after the military came through I was laying on my bed trying to escape the afternoon heat when I heard yelling and horns honking. I raised my head from the bed and peered cautiously out the window. A parade of cars with men hanging out of each window and Palestinian flags whipping around them in the wind came speeding down the road as if to say, “We will not be intimidated.”

That evening when we returned from the next round of the basketball tournament (which Ibdaa won 64-63) we learned that the military had returned and entered the Dheisheh camp but, as of now, nothing has been reported about that incursion. We also learned that a young Palestinian man was killed in Bethlehem by the military that beat him to death. Details on that event are still sketchy.

At the basketball game a riot was narrowly avoided as the Ibdaa fans enthusiastic cheering and celebration of the slim victory agitated several people. I stood quietly high up in the stands and watched the arguments unfold near and on the court. Many of the Ibdaa members have commented that they believe they are treated differently from others there since they are from a refugee camp. I don’t know if I agree with this perspective yet. On a more positive note, Ziad asked me to give my observations during the half time break and as a result of that commentary I have been asked to join the team provisionally as an assistant coach and trainer. We have another game tomorrow night so we shall see how that goes…