Overview:

Ibdaa's programs and activities are designed to both improve the lives of the people of the camp and educate the International community about the struggles of refugees in Palestine.

Our programs are constantly shifting due to the unpredictable situation under Israeli military occupation. Since the beginning of the second intifada in 2000, we have spent many months under curfew, unable to leave our houses even to get food.

During times of curfew, our guesthouse hosted international human rights observers who documented Israeli military atrocities. Our library, normally a gathering place for youth after school, became a distribution center, sending hundreds cf books into children's homes to help them deal with months of fear and boredom. Our women's tatriz (embroidery) project provided the sole income for many homes. Our computer center and Internet connection served as a media outlet, with our youth staff sending photos and articles to the international community.

It's been relatively quiet in Dheisheh since the Israeli military's withdraw in July. Our educational programs have resumed. Our dance troupe is training a new generation. Our girls basketball team, founded a year ago, is finally able to practice.