Word: unrwa
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Dates: during 1957-1957
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Beyond this explanation (but inextricably linked to it) is the fact that ten years of bitter sanctuary have wrought many changes in Palestine refugees. For eight years the refugees have been fed and cared for almost entirely by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Many had been farmers; some, in camps near Bethlehem and Tulkarm, had spent the years watching longingly from distances of a few hundred yards while the despised Israelis plowed land that once was theirs. At first the Arabs lived with the spittle of hate always moist on their lips. But as tireless UNRWA workers...
...society with its own peculiar codes and mores. A brisk business in forged food-ration cards grew up. UNRWA officials at one time estimated that there were 150,000 more ration cards than there were refugees. Refugee dead were seldom reported to UNRWA authorities; they were buried secretly at night so that their ration cards might be kept and sold. Successful entrepreneurs (i.e., those who amassed sufficient ration cards or who prospered in small businesses like basketry, carpentry, weaving or gambling) began to style themselves "sheiks," demanded that UNRWA officials consult them on community affairs...
...Imperialists and Zionists" the refugees gradually found themselves better off materially than they had been at home. They have a higher daily caloric ration (1,500-1.600) than some of the fellahin in Nasser's Egypt, better health and sanitation services than they had ever known in Palestine. UNRWA provides extra rations for pregnant and nursing women, midday meals and vitamin pills for children. UNRWA's education facilities are making the refugees an intellectual elite among Arabs. Nearly 100% of the male children attend school, almost 25% of the girls (Arab parents have still to be sold...
...voices are raised more often or more indignantly over the plight of Arab refugees in the Middle East than those of the Soviet Union and its satellites. Last week, during a special refugee relief fund-raising conference at the U.N., 22 nations agreed to contribute some $28 million to UNRWA, on whom 900,000 Arab refugees are almost totally dependent for food, clothing and shelter. The U.S. pledged $21.8 million, Britain $5.8 million. Among smaller contributors was Yugoslavia, which pledged $40,000. Total contributions from the Soviet Union and its satellites: zero...