by the International Center of Bethlehem © 2001
Carol
Carol, Nadim and Andre at
the White Sister's Hostel in Nablus Road, Jerusalem. During the presence
of the solidarity convoy in Bethlehem 23 October they left with Andre's
parents, after five nights and four days at the bottom of the staircase.
28 October
I visited my new colleague Carol and her family in their
"exile".
It was very difficult for me to leave home with my 10 months old child, two very old and sick in laws and my husband. To us there was no way but to do so especially after spending five days under a 2X2m staircase trying to keep away from all the shelling and bombing that was taking place right outside our door. If you were to ask me how I feel I would tell you that I am full of anger... I can not believe that I left my home ... every thing I have ... in so many ways I feel like I have been dispossessed.
The Murra junction, where many tank pictures were taken. On the corner to the right the house where Carol lives. On the taller building further down to the right from time to time snipers took position and shot at Al-Aza refugee camp (behind, to the right) and down the road. Tanks used to roar to the junction and to shoot - their tracks are still visible.
The night before we have decided to leave I started packing ; I did not know what to take with me and for how many days should I pack; I wanted to take all the things I love (our photos for instance) but ended up taking the basics only. I am quite angry. I do not know in what shape my home is at the moment; maybe and hopefully nothing is damaged. But one thing I know for sure: I have been damaged.
We talked about Nadim, how something bothers him during his sleep, crying with closed eyes or waking up; how he learned to cover his ears... Carol called her leaving to Jerusalem a "concession".
This is what bothers me the most: that I'm forced to make more and more concessions. This time they got me in all aspects. They got me.
text: Carol Dabdoub;
reporter: Andreas F. Kuntz
webmaster: Andreas F. Kuntz