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Well, my grandfather owned a house in Haifa where 3 of my 4 uncles were born. When Israel was created he sent them and my Grandmother to the Bekaa in Lebanon. He stayed in the house until he was forced out by Israeli soldiers. We actually still have the deed to the house. A lot of Palestinians have kept the keys to their front doors. My father was born the next year in Lebanon.
I've been fortunate enough to visit Lebanon quite frequently. I was there in 82 and also in the 90's when fighting would flare up. I was there most recently this summer. I actually met up with a man who lives in Sabra and he took me on a personal tour of both Sabra and Chatila. I met several people there, took a bunch of pictures, and got to see the mass graves. It was an incredibly moving experience. I blame both Israel and Lebanon for the conditions these people live in. It's totally inexcusable. I also visited the border with Israel and spoke with several Hezbollah who were part of the resistance in the 80's during the invasion. It is an unnervingly calm place down there.
I'll stop there but if you guys are interested I'll be happy to put up some pictures of the refugee camps, the border, as well as Al-Khiam (famous prison constructed when Israel invaded). Let me know!
SLM
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