The encyclopedia represents the fruit of tireless efforts in which an elite group of researchers, historians, and those interested in Palestinian affairs participated. They sought to document history, far from any distortion or obliteration of facts. Its launch comes at a time when the Palestinian narrative is being subjected to attempts of falsification and obliteration, and escalating calls for displacement. So, the encyclopedia constitutes an important tributary in preserving the truth and transmitting it to future generations.
Abdullah bin Hayi al-Sulaiti, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the QPC, welcomed hosting the launch of the Encyclopedia of Palestinian Camps, stressing that the encyclopedia is a document for the Palestinian people. It supports the legitimate Palestinian cause, and is a reference for researchers, interested parties, and journalists to monitor the reality of the Palestinian camps and the suffering of our Palestinian brothers. He expressed his appreciation for the great efforts made by the members of the encyclopedia team for this achievement and to make it prominent in front of the whole world.
Ruba Al-Atrash, Director of the Encyclopedia of Palestinian Camps, confirmed that the Encyclopedia of Camps is a window into the memory of the diaspora and the history of the struggle. She said: “The encyclopedia is one of the cultural and historical references that document the issues of Palestinian refugees and their stories that span decades. As each chapter of the encyclopedia highlights the misery of a people who suffered displacement, but did not forget their land and identity. She added that the encyclopedia reflects daily life in the Palestinian camps, where memory meets history to tell the story of a people who did not surrender to the pain of asylum, but continued to resist and survive.
She highlighted that through this encyclopedia, the stories of the cities and villages from which the Palestinians were forcibly displaced are recalled. As well as the names of places and the unforgettable moments, to reflect in all its details the steadfastness and sacrifices of the refugees. She stressed that the encyclopedia is considered a living record of what happened and tells about the development of the Palestinian camps in the lands where the refugees settled, whether in the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Jordan or Syria.
She explained that the Palestinian camps are not just a historical archive, but rather a source of inspiration for new generations. Noting that they contribute to preserving the Palestinian identity by spreading cultural and historical awareness about the origins of these camps and the reality of life in them.
She noted that the encyclopedia reflects the Palestinians' insistence on preserving their culture, heritage and history in the face of attempts at liquidation and neglect. Through the details it contains about life in the camps, as well as about the heroes who were martyred to sacrifice for Palestine. The encyclopedia is the cornerstone in telling the story of an entire people. She pointed out that the encyclopedia is distinguished today as an important reference point for researchers and those interested in Palestinian affairs, as it provides accurate and reliable information about the camps and their history, and monitors the social and political developments they have witnessed since their establishment until today. She emphasized that the encyclopedia contributes at the same time to documenting the issue of Palestinian refugees at the local and international levels, which contributes to keeping the issue of return and Palestinian rights alive in their memory.
Related Story
