Economic Crisis and Quota Reduction Hinder Hajj Journey for Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon

Palestinian refugees in Lebanon are increasingly concerned about losing the opportunity to perform the Hajj pilgrimage this year, amidst complex intersections of reduced permitted pilgrim numbers and deteriorating living conditions. Sources reported that the significant increase in the cost of the journey, which now ranges between 5,000 and 8,000 dollars, has shocked many who had hoped to perform the fifth pillar of Islam.

According to field testimonies, the past four years did not witness obstacles regarding the 'quota' allocated to Palestinians, which was around 1,500 pilgrims annually, a number that accommodated all applicants regardless of their age groups. However, the current changes in the allocated quotas coincided with a suffocating economic crisis that made securing the Hajj amount almost impossible for the majority of camp residents.

Ibrahim Antar, an official in one of the Hajj campaigns, explained that the jump in prices is mainly due to the improvement in the quality of logistical services provided to pilgrims, including accommodation and transportation within the holy sites. He also pointed out that the inclusion of airfare and the cost of the sacrifice within the basic packages contributed to raising the overall bill, placing additional burdens on refugees who are already suffering from a decline in purchasing power.

For their part, some Hajj applicants believe that the price differences between Palestinian and Lebanese campaigns remain minor, and are often concentrated in the level of luxury and the location of hotels from the Grand Mosque. Ibrahim Tamlawi, a refugee intending to perform Hajj this year, confirmed that the average cost of 5,500 dollars represents an unattainable figure for many families, especially since choosing accommodation close to the Grand Mosque doubles the price.

This crisis reflects a bitter reality experienced by Palestinians in Lebanon, where religious rituals turn into difficult-to-achieve wishes due to the surrounding political and economic circumstances. With prices continuing to rise, observers fear that Hajj in the coming years will be limited to the affluent only, depriving thousands of refugees of fulfilling their lifelong dream of visiting the holy lands.

The significant increase in the Hajj bill will prevent many Palestinians from performing the pilgrimage, especially with the cost reaching figures beyond the means of low-income individuals.