In a poignant display of resilience and remembrance, survivors of the Gaza war have marked another somber Ramadan far from their homes. The images captured by Bertha Wang for Al Jazeera offer a glimpse into the lives of those who have endured unimaginable loss and tragedy.
One such survivor, Nesma, watches as her daughter, Lama, takes tentative steps during a physiotherapy session. It took Lama nine months to learn to walk again with her artificial leg. Nesma shared that Lama initially cried upon realizing she had lost her leg but later found solace in the belief that her limb had gone to paradise ahead of her. The strength and faith exhibited by this family in the face of adversity is truly inspiring.
Rabab, another survivor, arrived in Doha in May 2024 with her family, having lost her eight-year-old daughter, Malak, to an Israeli air attack. While she appreciates the support received in Doha, Rabab still longs for her home in Gaza, where her husband and remaining children reside. The bittersweet nature of finding refuge in a new land while yearning for the familiarity of home is a sentiment echoed by many survivors.
The stories of loss and perseverance continue with Adwaa, who did not celebrate Ramadan the previous year but has now adorned her Doha home with decorations in preparation for the holy month. Despite the outward signs of festivity, the absence of her loved ones in Gaza weighs heavily on her heart. Adwaa’s determination to honor her traditions and heritage in a foreign land speaks to the deep-rooted connections that tie these survivors to their homeland.
Hamsa and Maher, a father-daughter duo, arrived in Doha seeking medical treatment after sustaining severe injuries in an air raid. Maher, who longs to reunite with his family in Khan Younis, expresses the profound sense of loss and displacement experienced by many survivors. The haunting image of Hamsa’s broken phone, a stark reminder of the destruction wrought upon their lives, serves as a poignant symbol of the shattered reality faced by these individuals.
The harrowing experiences recounted by these survivors underscore the enduring trauma and resilience of those impacted by the Gaza war. As they navigate the challenges of rebuilding their lives in a new environment, the memories of their lost homes and loved ones remain ever-present. Through their stories of survival and strength, these individuals offer a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.