Israeli army raid youth and children's centre near Bethlehem

Security camera shows Israeli soldiers ransacking Aida Youth Centre

At dawn, yesterday morning, Israeli Occupation Forces raided the Youth Centre in Aida Refugee Camp near Bethlehem.

The executive director Anas Abu Srour, writes: "Soldiers broke through the doors, ransacked the offices, and took documents and hard drives. Our security cameras caught soldiers also going through books, children's drawings, and the classrooms.

"Before leaving, the IOF left posters around the building that read threatening messages such as: 'take care of your children, ensure they do not engage in incitement and terrorist acts, because we will take strict measures against them and their families with an iron fist.' The poster also warned that 'there will be surprising news' in the near future.'

"The raid on our Centre is very worrying, but not surprising. This attack is part of a widespread crackdown on Palestinian grassroots organizations that are trying to empower Palestinians from the ground up.

"Through arrests, raids, threats, and financial blockades, the occupation is trying to stop us from supporting and uplifting our community in Aida camp.

"Of course, attacks like these will not deter us from our important work. There is a great need in the community for quality education, humanitarian support, arts and sports and, where possible in this restrictive context, for advocacy. We won't be discouraged, and continue to be inspired every day by the children that walk through the Centre's doors. We also know that we have a network of dedicated friends around the world who will support us through this difficult period.

"I will continue to update you about developments in our camp and Centre. Thank you for your continued solidarity and support."

Aida Refugee Camp is one of three camps established around 1950 for Palestinian refugees who had been forced to leave their homes when the state of Israel was formed. Initially there were 1,125 people living in 94 tents on 0.071 square kilometres. At the time people were told they would be able to return to their homes in Israel, but that has never happened. Five years later they began to build flimsy concrete houses. According to UNRWA, there are now over 7,000 people in desperately cramped conditions. Water is supplied twice a week. There are two schools. No hospital. The sewage system is inadequate. There is massive unemployment, and shortage of food and medicines.

Pope Benedict visit the camp in May 2009. He said the refugees were living in "precarious and difficult conditions" and it was "tragic" to see the wall being erected.

The Aida Youth Centre is supported by aid agencies, churches and community groups around the world. It offers a lifeline to children and young people in the camp providing help with education, sports and arts activities.

In December last year, director Anas Abu Srour, was arrested and detained without charge for eight months. Munther Amira, chairman of the board of directors, was arrested on 18 December and detained without charge for three months. Both describe horrific conditions in prison.

One of the centre's supporters, the Kennington Bethlehem group told ICN they were "appalled" to read news that the Israeli army has raided the centre. They said: "It was tragic enough when their director Abas Anu Srour was detained without charge for eight months.

"Now this harassment and intimidation, is creating fear in the community, especially for the children who use the centre."

Read more the Aida Youth Centre here: www.aidacenter.org/