Recently, visiting Beirut, I met some people the average traveller doesn’t meet. And they were, like all others I met in the country, gracious and hospitable. They are known by the name of Palestinians …

 Now understand, I am NOT making a political comment. Nor am I reflecting on the differences of belief and faith. I am however, greatly disturbed that those in Palestinian Refugee Camps in Lebanon are treated the way they are, ie: they have no citizenship – ANYWHERE; they do not have the right to work; no right to own land or a house; no right to inherit; if they attempt to own property or set up a bank account it is likely to be absorbed by the government. There are about 400,000 Palestinians in 12 camps in Lebanon, about 10% of the country’s population. In Beirut, 22,000 people live in 1 square kilometre.

I’m a father (and a grandfather too!!). Fathers have, for about 60 years, in waves of refugees into the camps, been attempting to raise families where hope is a seldom-had currency.  And I believe, as a follower of Jesus, it is unacceptable to just let that happen for another 60 years …

In one sense, the solution is simple: share what is there: the land, the resources, the opportunities etc. But they don’t live in such a perfect world. (Nor do we). It is too easy to metaphorically throw our hands into the air and claim there is no solution. Certainly there hasn’t been one acted upon in 60 years, but there is a hope that by March 2012 there will be one.

What can you do? Something more than be silent. Feel free to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to me; I’ll tell you what I’m doing, and maybe together we can do something more – something non-violent, peaceful and acceptable.