Action Group – Syria
A poll conducted by the Action Group for Palestinians of Syria on its official Facebook page revealed rejection of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s decision to begin the restoration of the Yarmouk Camp Martyrs’ Cemetery at this stage, emphasizing the priority of supporting the residents and meeting their basic needs.
A number of followers participated in the poll, which posed the following question: “What is your assessment of the PLO’s decision to begin the restoration of the Yarmouk Camp Martyrs’ Cemetery at this stage?”
The results highlight a significant discrepancy in priorities between the PLO’s leadership and the Palestinian public in the diaspora.
The poll’s main findings:
”¢ 88% of participants considered the cemetery’s restoration a “secondary priority, with support for the residents coming first.”
”¢ 8% viewed it as “necessary in parallel with infrastructure rehabilitation projects.”
”¢ Only 4% categorized the restoration as a “top priority, as the cemetery is a national memory that must be revived before anything else.”
These results clearly reflect that the vast majority of participants believe that the top priority should be directed towards supporting the affected population and meeting their livelihood and humanitarian needs, rather than focusing on other projects at the present time.
Comments reveal deep discontent:
The reactions were not limited to the referendum vote; they extended to sharp comments that revealed deep discontent and harsh criticism of the performance of the Palestine Liberation Organization.
Key points of commentary included:
”¢ Criticism of leadership: Many commentators described the PLO leadership as “expired” and not representative of the Palestinian people.
Ӣ Wrong priorities: Participants expressed their belief that the PLO focuses on secondary issues while ignoring the essential issues affecting the lives of refugees.
Ӣ Demands for accountability: Commenters called on the PLO to assume its responsibilities towards the Palestinian people, pointing to dereliction of duty and procrastination.
”¢ Accusations of corruption: Some comments included references to PLO officials receiving “thousands of dollars” at the expense of the people’s suffering, and questioned the role and effectiveness of the “Refugee Department.”
Earlier, Ahmed Abu Holi, a member of the PLO Executive Committee and head of the Department of Refugee Affairs, announced that preparations were underway to launch a comprehensive restoration project for the Martyrs’ Cemetery, confirming that presidential instructions had been issued to the Department of Refugee Affairs and the Palestinian National Fund, in coordination with Ambassador Samir Al-Rifai, to immediately begin restoration work.