In the heart of the Gaza Strip, the ravaged land of Beit Lahiya reflects the bitter aftermath of 15 months of war. For Ne’man Abu Jarad and his family, their former home, now a hollow shell, stands as a testament to survival and resilience. The orange, olive, and palm trees that once adorned their front yard have been swept away, along with the vibrant blooms that filled their garden. Despite the destruction, their home still stands.
On a recent Monday, as the golden hues of the sunset painted the sky, Ne’man, his wife Majida, and three of their six daughters knelt on the ground of their once vibrant home, whispering prayers of gratitude. Their arduous journey of displacement and loss was finally over. After a grueling 477 days, filled with fleeting refuge and the struggle for basic necessities, they were home once again.
Reflecting on this profound return, Majida expressed emotions beyond words. This joy surpasses any happiness from successes, weddings, or births, she said, capturing the indescribable relief of coming back to their roots. Their journey began when the Gaza war escalated, forcing approximately 1.8 million Palestinians, including the Abu Jarad family, to flee from their homes as Israel retaliated against Hamas's attack in October 2023.
Throughout the conflict, the family faced multiple displacements, constantly searching for peace as they moved to different regions, from the northern parts of Gaza to Rafah in the south. The frequent relocations took a toll, diminishing hope. However, the tides shifted when a ceasefire was announced, igniting hope among the countless families longing to return.
On January 19, as the truce commenced, Majida started packing their belongings, preparing for a return that many thought impossible. When the announcement came that roads would reopen, allowing them to head northward, over 375,000 Palestinians seized the opportunity to return to their homeland.
The journey back was arduous. Starting before dawn, the Abu Jarads braved the coastal roads, joining a massive throng of returning families. Each grueling step, laden with their worldly possessions, was powered by the joy and hope of returning. The road is tough, Majida recounted, but each step forward is a blessing.
The stark transformation of north Gaza City was evident as they journeyed through streets strewn with rubble from numerous offensives. Amid the devastation, there was resilience. Despite the wreckage surrounding their neighborhood, a small flower vine had survived, a symbol of hope that Ne’man lovingly tended. God is great, he repeated, overwhelmed by the emotional and physical toll of return.
Despite the dire conditions awaiting them, Ne’man's resolve is firm. While they face the daunting task of rebuilding amidst rubble, scarcity of water and food, and abject conditions, their spirit remains unbroken. Without electricity and limited resources, they rely on increasing humanitarian aid as they rebuild their lives.
Even with the weight of personal loss and destruction around them, Ne’man stands ready to repair what little remains of his home. Thank God, there is an undamaged room which we will live in, he declares, determined to overcome yet another phase of hardship. As the family steels itself for the challenges ahead, theirs is a story of resilience amid the echoes of war, a testament to humanity's unyielding hope and strength.
