Not Lost, but Put in the Lost Pilgrims Center

Friday, 21 December 2007
By Adel Al-Malki
Saudi Gazette

MINA - Many pilgrims abuse the Lost Pilgrims Center facilities by temporarily leaving their children at the center as lost ones so that they can perform the stoning ritual in ease.

Khaled Al-Zahrani, a boy scout, said parents tell employees of the center that they found the children on the street and insist that they be taken in. Some of the parents said they initially intended to bring their children along to Jamrat, but changed their mind once they saw the crowd.

Long exposure to the sun could cause illness to their children so they opt to leave them at a safer place.

Lost Pilgrims Center is air-conditioned with a playground and games, cartoon movies and gifts for the children.

The center recently started posting the names and photos of lost pilgrims online to make it easier for their families to find them.