Never let it be said that Hizbollah are not media savvy. Quickly produced banners placed around the ruins of Dhayiya make their views of Israel’s sponsors very clear. ‘The New Middle Beast’ proclaims one, taking the piss out of George Bush’s recent statement. ‘Made in USA’ says another. ‘Extremely Accurate Targeting’ attacks Israel’s claims that their bombings were somehow precise; the banner in question being sat in the middle of a completely demolished street.
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Dhayiya itself is a hive of activity. In just 3 days roads have reappeared and the rubble has been managed into piles for salvage and disposal. The area is sealed from onlookers. Residents and press are facilitated by a mobile office and issued passes. Every ruined building has a steward ready to answer questions for former tenants and their families. Free water is being given out to people trudging through the ruins and Hizbollah are handing out flyers instructing those who lived here how to claim their new homes. A contact point has been set up for people who wish to share skills or help with the reconstruction in any way. The homes and businesses that are still standing are being methodically cleaned by their owners and volunteers. In some cases a sign sits in the rubble telling people that the owners are alive and trading elsewhere with a contact number. The level of organisation here is amazing. Less than a week after the ceasefire and with no Government help, the people are rebuilding their lives.
With the exception of the Hizbollah politicians no one from the Government has been here yet. The biggest single act of devastation and it is right on their doorstep. Hardly surprising that the locals have shunned the ‘acceptable’ political mainstream for so long.
Words and pictures copyright the author but free to progressive media, NGOs etc.
Contact by email for details.
With the exception of the Hizbollah politicians no one from the Government has been here yet. The biggest single act of devastation and it is right on their doorstep. Hardly surprising that the locals have shunned the ‘acceptable’ political mainstream for so long.
Words and pictures copyright the author but free to progressive media, NGOs etc.
Contact by email for details.
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