The refugees of Biram, near the border with Lebanon, have been an enduring thorn in Israel’s side. On 4 November 1948 the village’s 850 Maronite Christians surrendered to the advancing Israeli army without a struggle. They were asked to evacuate Biram “temporarily” while the area was secured, with most relocating to the neighbouring community of Jish. Although the villagers received Israeli citizenship, they have not been allowed to return to Biram to this day. (August 2005)