Report in Corona times, Yamoun: A. is worried – how will he pay tuition for his children, who are students.

Today, Passover, A. from the village of Yamoun in the Jenin district, Palestine, called to wish me a happy holiday.

He inquired about my health, and that of my friends and family, and said he misses us. According to him, there are no Corona virus patients either in Yamoun or in Jenin. People in the village are really following the guidelines implemented by the Palestinian Authority, and do not spend time outdoors. He himself only goes out to have a smoke. They are even okay with food - one can make do with flatbread and olive oil, although the children do complain. A. has a work permit for Israel, but naturally, he cannot use it these days. He says some workers have come back home to the West Bank after a month’s stay in Israel, because of the Jewish holiday. He tried to explain to me that after the holiday they would be able to return to Israel in spite of the Corona closure. I didn’t understand why he thought so.

His primary concern is his present inability to pay tuition for his children, who are students. Schools in the West Bank continue online and require payment. One of his sons is studying in Morocco, and he cannot send him money. A. hopes to get some work in Israel soon. He offers to do any work as house painter, handyman, gardener, cleaning stairwells. Anything.