By Kenzy Hesham
For the past three years, Gazans have been living through a devastating reality. Israel’s relentless bombing has caused them to lose loved ones, homes, and any sense of safety. Yet, amid the rubble and makeshift tents, they continue to find ways to hold on to a sense of everyday normality. Some of these ways include:
The “1,000 Martyrs Cup” Brings Football Back
After a three-year halt, Palestinian football fans are finally getting the chance to gather and cheer for their favorite teams. September 4 marked the beginning of the ‘1,000 Martyrs Cup,’ organized by the Palestinian Football Association. The name was chosen as a tribute to the athletes killed by Israeli bombing. Around 226 teams from the occupied West Bank, Gaza, and refugee camps in Lebanon are participating.
“Zaiton Karate Club” Finds a New Home in a Tent
Even though the Zaiton Karate Club was demolished by bombing, its coaches didn’t let that stop them from pursuing their mission of teaching the fundamentals of karate to a new generation. They transformed a tent into their new studio, creating a space where young boys and girls can positively release their pent-up energy.
The “Dream Bus” Brings Playtime to Children
After being damaged by shelling, the Palestinian Red Crescent converted a ruined ambulance into “The Dream Bus”. True to its name, the vehicle aims to give displaced children some of the joyful and carefree moments they have been deprived of.
From watching movies and listening to stories to taking part in group games, trained mental health specialists use the bus to provide children with much-needed social and psychological support.
The “Art From Rubble” Project Turns Rubble Into Art Pieces
Art can be a powerful way to express yourself and work through complicated emotions. With this in mind, Nada Rajab, a 22-year-old Palestinian artist, started the “Art from Rubble” project.
With resources in Gaza scarce, Nada gave the project another purpose by teaching children about the importance of recycling and reusing. Together, they have repurposed fabric rescued from the rubble and empty milk cans into artistic pieces.
Olive Land School Hosts a Summer Camp for Gaza’s Children
As summer arrived, it brought with it a wave of scorching heat. With Gaza’s youth having few ways to escape it, Camp Ard Al Zaytoon hosted a range of summer programs at its community school to provide some much-needed fun.
From watching puppet shows and creating fashion sketches to conducting science experiments, children and teens got to enjoy a variety of activities.
“The Sameer Project” Opens a Mobile Barbershop
Many people may view getting a haircut as a simple part of their routine. However, for the children of Gaza, it can represent much more. The Sameer Project created a mobile barbershop to give young boys free haircuts.
Getting a fresh look can help boost their confidence and give them a small sense of control at a time when so much of their lives is defined by uncertainty and turmoil.
Whether through exercise, art, activities, or simply getting a fresh haircut, Gazans continue to find small moments of happiness and normality, even in the darkest of times.
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