When Refugees Fled War-Torn Europe For Havens In The Middle East

As World War II unfolded, the devastation wrought by Axis and Soviet forces across Eastern Europe and the Balkans led to an unprecedented exodus. Thousands of displaced Europeans fled south and east, seeking safety from the chaos that consumed their homelands. The relentless advance of hostile armies, coupled with the widespread destruction of infrastructure, compelled families to take to the roads, escaping war-torn villages, towns, and cities.

For many, the journey was perilous, crossing the Mediterranean in small boats and hopping from island to island in search of sanctuary. The seas offered no guarantee of safety, but the hope of escaping Axis rule kept thousands pressing onward. By 1942, the situation had become critical, prompting the British government to take action. In a bid to manage the flow of refugees pouring into the Middle East, the British established the Middle East Relief and Refugee Administration (MERRA). Tasked with coordinating relief efforts, MERRA set up a constellation of refugee camps, providing temporary havens for over 40,000 displaced Europeans.

"A wide, yellow, sandy plain stretched into infinity... oh, how unfriendly it was. Not a blade of grass, a flower, not a bug, butterfly or bird. Silence... and in front of the eyes flickered the ardent mass of the sandy plain."

Danica Nola, Dalmatian Refugee

MERRA: A Lifeline for the Displaced

MERRA’s mission was clear: to provide food, shelter, and basic necessities to the thousands of refugees flooding into regions like Egypt, Gaza, and Aleppo in Syria. The agency quickly moved to establish camps, strategically positioning them in key areas to accommodate the growing numbers. These camps, though spartan, became vital lifelines for families torn apart by war, offering refuge from the bombed-out remnants of their homes.

Egypt, with its proximity to Europe and the Mediterranean, became a major hub for MERRA’s operations. Camps were set up in the blistering desert sands, notably at El Shatt, located near the southern end of the Suez Canal. Here, thousands of Yugoslavian refugees found themselves living in tents pitched on barren, sun-scorched land. Though life in the desert was harsh, the alternative—remaining in a war zone—was far worse.

El Shatt: Life in the Desert

The El Shatt camp stands out as one of the most significant refugee camps managed by MERRA during the war. The conditions there were extreme. Refugees arrived, exhausted from their arduous journeys, only to find themselves in a harsh and unforgiving landscape. The desert heat was oppressive, and sandstorms were frequent, making daily life a struggle. The refugees, mostly from Yugoslavia, faced spartan conditions, with makeshift tents offering little protection from the elements.

Life at El Shatt was a stark contrast to the homes these refugees had fled. Camp residents were typically issued half a portion of an Army ration each day, which was often not enough to stave off hunger. Those fortunate enough to have some money could purchase additional food from camp canteens, but resources were always limited. For many, it was a daily battle to survive, and the scarcity of basic supplies made life difficult for families, especially those with children.

Despite the harsh environment and limited resources, the refugees at El Shatt displayed remarkable resilience. The community found ways to combat the monotony and hardships of camp life. Children were a priority, and playgrounds were constructed to give them a semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos of war. Adults, many of whom were skilled tradespeople, continued to ply their trades—cooking, cleaning, and crafting items that could be used or sold within the camp. This helped create a sense of purpose and routine, which was essential for maintaining morale.

In a testament to human resilience, the camp even produced a newspaper, allowing the refugees to stay informed and connected to the world outside the desert sands. News from the frontlines, camp developments, and local happenings were shared, helping to foster a sense of community and solidarity in an otherwise desolate environment.

Beyond Survival: Culture and Community in the Camps

While survival was the primary concern, camp officials recognised the importance of morale. In a bid to alleviate the psychological strain of prolonged displacement, officials and residents worked together to organise activities that provided some respite from the bleakness of camp life. Plays, dances, and other events were staged, offering a rare opportunity for families to enjoy moments of entertainment.

El Shatt, located near the Suez Canal, also provided a unique opportunity for residents to enjoy the novelty of watching warships pass by. For many, this was a surreal experience—seeing the very vessels that were part of the ongoing global conflict. Families would gather to watch the ships, and on occasion, they would bathe in the canal, a rare luxury in such harsh surroundings.

The other camps established by MERRA in places like Gaza and Aleppo shared similar experiences. In Gaza, thousands of displaced Europeans—many of them Jews fleeing Nazi persecution—found shelter in camps set up along the Mediterranean coastline. Though conditions were often rudimentary, the proximity to the sea provided some relief from the relentless heat. Aleppo, too, became a key location, with camps housing thousands of refugees in the northern reaches of Syria. In both locations, MERRA’s mission remained the same: to provide a safe haven for those fleeing the horrors of war, even if only for a short while.

The Aftermath: Disbanding the Camps

The conclusion of World War II in 1945 marked the beginning of a new chapter for many of the refugees housed in MERRA’s camps. With the war over, the process of repatriation and resettlement began. For many, returning to their homelands was impossible—either their homes had been destroyed, or their countries were now under the control of hostile regimes. For others, new opportunities awaited in countries far from Europe.

"I must not give the impression that these people created a little paradise here on the desert with their resourcefulness. Their extreme lack of everything only makes what they do more impressive, standing as it does against such a background."

John Corsellis, British Aid Worker

The El Shatt camp was officially disbanded in 1946, and many of its residents were relocated to other countries or returned to Europe. Though the camp was dismantled, its legacy lived on. For thousands of displaced Europeans, MERRA’s camps had provided a lifeline during the darkest days of the war. The experience of life in the camps, with all its hardships and challenges, left an indelible mark on those who had lived there.

The camps established by the Middle East Relief and Refugee Administration were a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. For the more than 40,000 displaced Europeans who found refuge in Egypt, Gaza, and Aleppo, these camps provided more than just shelter—they offered hope. In the harsh deserts and war-torn landscapes of the Middle East, families rebuilt their lives, nurtured their children, and held on to the belief that peace would one day return.

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