For many Palestinians living in the UAE, the connection to their homeland remains strong, often prompting them to return to Gaza despite the challenges they may face. One family’s decision to leave their comfortable life in the UAE and move back to Gaza was driven by a deep sense of identity and belonging. However, their dream of building a life in their homeland was shattered by the ongoing October 7 war, now nearly a year long. The family, whose name was withheld for safety reasons, wanted to raise their children in Palestine, among their people.
Having been born and raised in the UAE, the mother considered it her second home and acknowledged the ease of life there compared to Gaza. Despite the difficulties they anticipated due to occupation and a blockade, the family believed moving back to Gaza was the right decision. Their choice was met with surprise and concern from family and friends who viewed Gaza as an “open-air prison”. However, the family’s commitment to their land was unwavering, and they wanted to be where they belonged.
The outbreak of the October 7 war caught the family off guard, and the devastation it brought was beyond their expectations. What they thought would be a short-lived conflict turned into a genocide, resulting in the loss of their home, land, businesses, and family members. The family currently residing in Gaza now faces unimaginable hardships due to the intensity and duration of the ongoing war. They are living in extreme conditions, barely able to find food and lacking access to basic amenities.
One of the family’s most heartbreaking experiences was evacuating the home they had built over two decades. The loss of their home was not just a physical one but also a loss of memories and hopes they had nurtured over the years. The psychological toll of the war has been profound, with the family losing hope and struggling to cope with their daily suffering. They have received support from relatives in the UAE, but the challenges they face in Gaza are immense.
Despite the dire circumstances, the family believes they deserve to live and have access to safety, food, and privacy. They find solace in their faith, believing that God will provide them with strength during these trying times. This family’s story serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and the impact it has on individuals who are caught in the midst of conflict while seeking identity and belonging. The family’s resilience and unwavering faith are a testament to their determination to survive despite the hardships they face in Gaza.
