Sohab El Ard explores the human impact of the October 7, 2023 war. Through each character, the series tells a story of pain, resilience, and hope. The series is lead by Menna Shalaby as Salma, an Egyptian doctor entering Gaza as part of the Red Crescent, and Eyad Nassar as Nasser, a man torn from his children and fighting for survival every day amid the war. Each character of the show carries a backstory that feels deeply emotional, authentic, and profoundly real.
Salma
Salma is an Egyptian doctor traveling to Gaza as part of a Red Crescent relief convoy. Through her visit, the series highlights the severe shortage of hospital beds and essential medical supplies, and the immense challenges of bringing necessary aid like a respiratory device across borders. Her story also represents the deep connection between the Egyptian people and the ongoing struggle in Gaza.
Nasser
Through Nasser’s story, we witness grief, loss, and an unwavering hope against all odds. Separated from his children because of war, Nasser endures another devastating strike that takes his brother’s family, leaving him only with Yunis. Determined to protect Yunis and preserve what little remains, Nasser fights to save his life and stands resilient in the face of unimaginable hardship.
Karma
A video call with Nasser starts with Karma checking in on him, until the moment she witnesses a bombing live during the call, leaving her utterly shocked. The scene powerfully portrays the emotional toll of war on families separated by conflict, showing how every minute is filled with worry for loved ones in Gaza.
Yunis
Through Yunis’ character, we are deeply connected to the children of Gaza, innocent and hopeful, yet forced to live amid constant danger. We are first introduced to him as a carefree child feeding a dog, only for a strike to leave him trapped under rubble minutes later, a heartbreaking reminder of how many children who were affected by the war.
Ramy & Majd
Rami confides in Majd that he is wanted for breaching the border fence, expressing deep concern for his family, knowing the Israeli military will pursue them too. He then entrusts Majd with the camera of his brother, Ammar, who was captured. Their conversation highlights the immense risks faced by media professionals during the war and serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives lost while documenting the conflict.
The Displaced Family
Salma’s crew gets lost on the way to the hospital and is welcomed into a family’s tent. The mother explains that shortly after her husband took out a loan to buy a home, it was destroyed in a bombing, leaving them to live in a tent. Despite their hardship, the family embodies the spirit of Palestinian hospitality, remaining warm and generous even in the most difficult circumstances.
This show is one you don’t just watch; it’s one you feel. As the events unfold, you become deeply connected to each character, because their stories are rooted in real trauma and the realities we have witnessed. Sohab El Ard is more than a series; it is a message to the world, shining a light on the ongoing genocide and the urgent need for awareness.
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