"Any country, any country,” his typing pleads. “Even political asylum in the hell is better than the hell we are living."

Why would a young man, just years out of childhood be seeking political asylum?

"My father is ill and unemployed,” Baker explains. “My sisters are all unemployed and I was unable to gain acceptance to the university. Our tough economic situation, the stress of being under constant siege (by Israeli forces) and current political problems, these reasons compel me to travel anywhere in Europe.” 

Pausing for a moment, he reiterates. "Anywhere is much better than the hell we are living in” 

The chaos and calamity of fishing for freedom plays itself out in the dim smoky light as Gaza’s young, vie to the sound of tapping keys and hopeful chatter. Dozens sit side by side, participating in this daily ritual.  Toward the back of the room, Rafat Ahmed twenty two, sits poised and polished in his summer jacket, his green eyes showing the strain of disparity as raw determination bids he continue to call various embassies for help.

"Of course, I prefer Scandinavian countries,” he states. “What I mean by that is Sweden, Norway or even Denmark. I dream about them; but the challenge of getting a visa has become a nightmare chasing me day and night" he concludes wistfully, his voice faltering with alienation and disenchantment.

Since the Hamas party won the elections in January, the percentage of Palestine’s young seeking emigration and work visas abroad steadily increases. Rather than a reflection on the Hamas party, the reasons stem from the economic situations, military siege, absent salaries and career opportunities coupled with the complete, unrelenting orchestration and oppression of all aspects of Palestinian life by Israel and the world’s economic punishment. Those seeking asylum are young Palestinians floundering in the hopelessness of starvation, the daily humiliation of living under apartheid and the bleak future presented by these situations. 

Ahmed Quffah, age twenty-three and a graduate student from the Islamic university speaks of the lack of employment opportunities in Gaza. "Everyday I get up. There are no jobs; there is nothing that I can do but emigrate to where employment is,” he states with frustration. “Palestine our land, the holy land needs its young people. It is not wise for us to leave our home or the legacy our grandparents fought so hard to maintain." he admits.

Why choose Scandinavia over the historic beacon of freedom, the United States? Scandinavia continues to be the preferred location for emigration and a new life. It is a region and its people are respected and loved. These nations represent justice and gentle tranquility to the youth of Palestine in a world often considered mad and bent on conflict. The United States, with its foreign policy, increasing seems and emerges as hostile.

Twenty-three year old Ibrahim Salha currently studying in the United States explains.

"I didn't realize that it would be like this, thinking it a grand game to emigrate from Palestine to US. The reality is that each day is more painful than the previous. Life is not easy here. We can hardly afford food." Salha explains before adding disappointedly, “I wish I never came to the US.” 

Suliman Al Ghazawi speaks of additional perils, this time in Canada.

"My brother and I survived a risky emigration experience. I decided to return to Palestine, though my brother still resides in Canada. Educated, he holds a doctorate in electronics; yet the only work he can get is as a taxi driver. The last time we spoke he told me he is unable to afford the basic necessities of food and housing.”    

As in all situations of desperation, the seedy side of exploitation and profiteering presents itself, preying on the disillusioned.  For the anglers of Gaza, Cannery Row’s representation is organized crime peddling dreams of freedom for a price under the guise of travel and emigration agencies. Several investigations the majority of these groups confirm their nefarious nature illustrated through the selling promises without a guarantee and often providing false documentation.

Twenty-four year old Ibrahim Mohammed, waiting nine months for the proper documents, knows the game well. “I'm still waiting and hoping to get them,” he asserts without convincing. “But I have to rely on the promises of the MAFIA groups that take our money. Then they deliver fake or forged passports that will never work! I don’t wish to be in a country illegally,” he states emphatically before continuing to explain his need for money and work. "Life forced this choice. But I need to take responsibility, educate myself and work hard to replace our home which was demolished by the Israeli Occupation Forces."

To the rhythm of tap, tap, tap, the angler’s of Gaza’s internet cafes begin each day with renewed tenacity navigating the dark waters of international asylum, hoping for a bite, the crucial first catch of a visa.  Some chase a larger dream: permanent freedom.  But all congregate, sitting side by side, casting, reeling, trading stories of the one that got away, believing, hoping, praying, yet pensive to ask, ‘will today be the day, the day I catch freedom?’