Impatient to start a new life

By Lamia Lahoud, Jerusalem Post, 8.6.00

(June 5) -- Lamia Lahoud talks to the refugees from Lebanon who say that while their everyday needs are being met, they are growing increasing concerned about their future.--

Hundreds of children and teenagers hung out on the grass at Beit Goldmuntz in Netanya on Monday, last week, where comedians Avri Gilad and Kobi Meidan from Channel 2 had organized entertainment.

It was a rare treat for the children of the former South Lebanese Army fighters, who grew up in war-torn south Lebanon. They were jumping on bouncing castles and sliding down water slides.

Boys and girls were playing basketball in front of the soldiers' hostel, which has become a temporary home to many refugees. Arabic music blared from loudspeakers and the children were treated to popcorn, candy, and soft drinks.

"For 20 years we had no life; we and our children were locked in our homes," said Eliane, 33, from Hatzbaya village in the former security zone.

"We only left home to go to school or work."

The parents also mingled on the grass, sipping coffee and discussing the future. One week after they left their homes and belongings behind and escaped from advancing Hizbullah fighters, they are still uncertain about their future.

"How are we going to live?... Are they going to continue paying the SLA fighters their wages?... Will we find work?... Where will they settle us, and where and when will our children go to school?" wondered Eliane, whose husband has been with the SLA for 20 years.

LIKE MOST new immigrants, the refugees complained that they have not received any information about their future.

At the neighboring Beit Feldmann, SLA families were waiting in line to get clothes, shampoo, and soap.

"The Israelis treat us very well and ask us every day what our immediate needs are, but no one tells us what they plan to do with us next," complained Rita, 27. "We left in a hurry without our passports."

"Once we have our papers in order, we will decide if we will leave for Europe or Canada or stay," said her husband Tony, 26, who was with the SLA for eight years.

Eliane, however, wants an Israeli ID. She wants to stay and work here.

The government has said it will issue the SLA families one-year tourist visas and work permits, but Eliane dismissed this as insufficient.

"What will happen when the year is over? We want to be able to plan our future