BETHLEHEM /PNN/ By Monjed Jadou -

Aida Youth Centre relaunched its “Right of Return Bazaar” for the fourth time during Eid al-Adha after a two-year hiatus, drawing broad official, public and economic participation in Bethlehem.

The event, held at Aida refugee camp, comes as Palestinians continue to grapple with the lasting impact of war and displacement. Organisers said the bazaar symbolises resilience and the enduring demand for the right of return.

Activities began on Friday and continued into Saturday night, featuring dozens of vendors offering handmade goods, including traditional crafts, jewellery, decorations and homemade food products from within the camp and surrounding areas. The opening day drew large crowds.

The launch ceremony opened with a minute of silence for Palestinians killed in the conflict, followed by the national anthem. Organisers said the bazaar’s name and location — held beneath a symbolic gate and key of return — reflect its connection to the Palestinian right of return.

The event was attended by Bethlehem Mayor Hanna Hanania, municipal council member George Salman, former Minister of Detainees Issa Qaraqe, released prisoner Rizq Salah, Aida camp popular committee head Saeed Al-Azza, Fatah secretary in the camp Marwan Fararjah, and representatives from the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce, among others.

In remarks delivered at the opening, former prisoner Nasser Abu Srour, who was deported to Egypt, stressed the importance of such initiatives in reinforcing commitment to the right of return.

“We must continue to hold on to our national rights and ensure that each generation plays its role in preserving the narrative and continuing the struggle,” he said.

Abu Srour called for unity in confronting what he described as efforts to transform refugee camps into permanent settlements, urging Palestinians not to abandon their connection to their original villages.

“We must not forget where we came from,” he said, referencing villages depopulated in 1948, and calling for translating the right of return from a slogan into practical action.

Saeed Al-Azzha head of the camp’s popular services committee, welcomed participants and said the event coincides with the 78th anniversary of the Nakba, which he described as ongoing.

“These initiatives strengthen solidarity and provide families and children with a space for hope despite the difficult conditions,” he said.

Al-Azzha added that Aida camp continues to represent a model of community cohesion and commitment to the right of return, which “does not expire over time.

Bethlehem Mayor Hanna Hanania said the municipality values its partnership with Aida Youth Centre and praised the event for promoting resilience and hope.

“What we see here reflects a model of perseverance and attachment to rights,” he said during a tour of the bazaar, adding that such initiatives help reinforce national identity and community spirit.

Munther Amira, head of Aida Youth Centre, said the decision to relaunch the bazaar after more than two years came despite the hardships caused by war and displacement across Gaza and the West Bank.

“We wanted to give children and young people a moment of hope amid the darkness,” he said.

He added that the centre’s work is rooted in preserving the right of return and ensuring that successive generations remain connected to their original homes.

The opening day also featured cultural performances and theatre shows, alongside strong public turnout at vendor stalls. Participants expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that it provided both economic opportunities and a platform to showcase local products.

Thousands of visitors attended the bazaar from across Bethlehem district, with many praising the organisation and the opportunity to celebrate the holiday while supporting local producers.

The Palestine News Network (PNN) provided live coverage of the event as part of its partnership with Aida Youth Centre, producing video reports and multimedia content in Arabic and English.