A year (and longer) in the life of someone – and everyone – in Gaza
JVL Introduction:
Exchanges between a Jewish woman in the UK and a young father in Gaza.
“A” and I have been communicating via Facebook messenger for 4 or 5 years. A lives with his mother, his wife and their two daughters. They lived in a nice apartment in a fairly tall block in Khan Yunis but have now been displaced many times as you will see from the exchanges. I gathered posts from June 2023, a completely arbitrary date but I did want to start before October 7th.
There will be many other people outside Gaza who will have had similar exchanges with friends and, of course, family in the Strip but these are mine with A who, for many years, has been finding the situation in Gaza monstrously difficult and often frightening. He has often, for example, been concerned that he cannot protect his little daughters from bombs that fell on Gaza even between the recognised “wars” or make sure that his mother gets the medical care she needs. Of course, this past year has been unbearable but they are alive, although many of his friends, neighbours and some relatives are not.
I have left in the far too frequent expressions of appreciation for me for sending (inadequate) amounts of money each month (again since long before October 7th) and for standing up for Palestine and Palestinians. I did this because it shows how much our personal and political support means. Particularly before October 7th there were more “normal” exchanges that included interest in my travels, concerns about my health, what I was doing, how my daughter is and so on as you would expect between friends, even if we are friends who have never met. There is no way that A wants this to be a “one way” relationship but the situation means there is a terrible inequality about friendship as in so many other things between us.
At first we are talking about operations in the West Bank and he has expressed concerns for people suffering in other parts of the world as well, whether from war or, eg earthquakes. Since October 7th, however, “just” trying to survive and keep his family together has been all consuming. There are frequent gaps of 3 weeks or so which is unsurprising given the difficulties of getting access to internet and to phone chargers but which have been very worrying.
I ask that you read this not because his situation is the worst there is but because his experience is much like that for most of the 2.3 million people in Gaza; I ask that you read so that we get beyond numbers to the person. We know and must never forget that at least 41,000 have been killed, with many more dead under the rubble, that over 90,000 have been injured and almost all in Gaza have been displaced, many times over as has been the case for A. We need to remember the impact for each and every individual and family in Gaza.
He has been my access to the reality of trying to survive in Gaza; he is, of course, both an ordinary and an extraordinary man and a unique individual who is also everyone in Gaza.
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June 24th 2023
L: Hi there my dear, how are you all? The news from Palestine is so dreadful at the moment. I do appreciate your posts re Jenin and other West Bank sites where repression is ramping up. Last night, there was showing of a film called Fadia’s Tree, about a woman in a refugee camp in Lebanon a short distance from the family’s village on the other side of the border … it was very good and very sad …
24/06/2023
A: The situation is very terrible here, especially in Jenin and Ramallah. The occupation storms the Jenin camp and kills innocent children. Also, the settlers attack people in Ramallah, killing innocent people and burning homes and properties.
The situation is very terrible here.
24/06/2023, 09:39
L: It makes me sad and makes me very angry. How is your family?
A: My mother is sick. In a few days, Eid al-Adha will be here. How are you, my dear friend
28/06/2023, 11:25
L: I am well thank you but so worried about what the Israelis are up to and getting away with. How are you? Thank you for posting about what is happening in Jenin and around Huwara – I have friends in Balata and have visited there a few times … truly terrible.
29/06/2023, 09:30
A: Yes, very terrible. And Israel is planning to launch a major attack on Jenin
It is the second day of Eid Al-Adha here
L: oh goodness – Eid Mubarak to you and your family but such awful circumstances to be marking Eid Al-Adha. Sending love as always
A: Thank you very much, my dear friend
03/07/2023
A: How are you ,my dear friend
04/07/2023
A: Do you follow the massacres committed by the Israeli occupation army on Jenin camp?
L: I have been following very closely and have been angry, heartbroken and more. There is an emergency demonstration at the Israeli Embassy in London tomorrow – I am not able to go but I am sure it will be well supported. And I have just managed to get my PayPal account to wake up and so have been able to transfer money from my computer. I wish it could be more but I have had a lot of expenses this month (car is in the garage for example) – so for the next few months I will be a bit constrained and already have trips booked (how lucky am I?). Thinking of you so much – and worried that there will be a reaction in Gaza and elsewhere in Palestine and the Israelis will use that as an excuse to to attack. Sending love
24/07/2023
L: Hi there. How are you all?
A: My grandmother died 3 days ago and I am very sad. It is also very hot here, and they suffer greatly, especially with the power outages for long hours. The situation is very catastrophic in which we live
L: I am so sorry about your grandmother. May I wish you long life. How hard to be trying to deal with grief when so many other things are so difficult. My condolences and solidarity.
A: Thank you very much my dear friend. In fact all the stuff here makes you sad. I was worried about you. Are you well.
31/07/2023
L: Oh thank you – I am fine. A few very minor twinges – probably to do with being just 9 months away from being 70! I was able to meet friends today for lunch even though it was raining and quite cold, which even for Britain has been relentless and also quite chilly while southern Europe is consumed by almost unbearable heat and forest fires… Hope you are all OK, or as OK as it is possible in these grim circumstances. The only positive thing I can think of is that the rest of the world cannot pretend that it does not know, that this is all about self defence … even some of the mainstream establishment and Zionist supporting organisations are anxious about this Israeli government – of course it is ‘just’ faster and more determined than previous governments but no one can pretend … scant comfort for you and my other Palestinian friends, I know.
A: I wish you a long and happy life. You are a very great and brave woman. I am very proud of you. You are humble. I hope you will have happy and enjoyable times. Here the weather is very hot, the temperatures here reach more than 42 degrees, and the electricity is cut off for long hours. It is very difficult. A lot of suffering, difficulties and suffering we face every day. In a report by the United Nations yesterday that Gaza is on the verge of a real famine
L: Oh that’s awful I’m so sorry that it’s so tough. Thank you for being so positive about it. I’m glad to be able to be of some support to you.
22nd August 2023 Hi there. Hope you are reasonably OK. I’m on a short holiday with my daughter. We arrived just a couple of hours ago. I’m back late on Friday.
A: I wish you happy and enjoyable times, my dear friend
26/08/2023,
A: Thank you very much you are doing a very great job. I am very proud of you
28/08/2023,
L: 👍
28/08/2023.
A: Hi How are you, my dear friend
L: I am well thank you – although was rather ill coming back from my short break and so had to spend a couple of days in bed!!! But it was lovely spending some time with my daughter in a beautiful city. How are you?
A: This is so sad. Are you okay now? I’m worried about you.
L: Please do not worry – I have not had my usual energy since I had Covid in 2022!! That is frustrating but I keep bouncing back fine, so I suppose that my natural immunity has been weakened and so I will need to be a bit more careful to try to avoid colds, etc – for that’s all it is.. Please do not worry but I like to be authentic with you.
A: I wish you health and wellness. Please be careful and protect yourself from strange things. You are very precious to our hearts
L: Thank you my friend. I have been resting and today a delivery of healthy looking vegetables has been delivered and I feel well enough to cook them, I really will be fine in a few days.
A: I wish you strength and wellness. I pray for you.
L: Thank you.
A: please take care of yourself
L: 👍
30/08/2023
A: Hello, how are you today, my dear friend? Hope you are OK
L: I am much better today thank you. I am lucky to have a garden and today the sun is shining and I ate breakfast outside; one of the four cats who visit regularly was with me and the birds were singing. So now I will do a bit of work and then probably a short walk by the sea as I have not left the house for nearly 6 days!!
A: This is very good. I wish you more health, wellness and strength. I wish you happy and enjoyable times
Can I visit you?
30/08/2023
L: I’d love that… insha’Allah
A: How can I visit you. Can you make a visit request for me
30/08/2023
L: Have to think about how to make that possible … I’ve no idea but will ask around, please do the same. All I know is how hard it is to get permission to visit Gaza or to leave Gaza …
30/08/2023
A: It is very difficult to enter Gaza, because of the blockade imposed by the Israeli occupation on Gaza. But I hope we meet you, you are very kind, and we love you. You are brave. I hope to meet you. I hope it happens soon.
I hope to travel.
L: I hope it is possible.
A: The situation is getting worse, there is great suffering where we live. Very soon the Great March of Return will return to the Gaza border.
01/09/2023
L: My thoughts are with you …
A: Thank you very much, my dear friend. The situation is getting worse here, we are experiencing great suffering, and the siege is suffocating. I cannot describe the scene here, it is really crying
02/09/2023,
A: How are you today
02/09/2023,
L: I am much better thank you and getting through a few outstanding tasks, which also helps.
A: I wish you good health and strength
L: 👍
A: I’m very sad, things are getting worse here
L: I am so sorry that you feel so sad. It must be so hard.
A: I hope you never forget me
L: No I will not but I am sorry that there is so little that I can do.
A: you are so good. May God bless you
11/09/2023
L: Hi there, how are things going?
11/09/2023
A: Things are getting worse here
12/09/2023, 09:09
L: I’m so sorry. Gaza has slipped further out of the news with the tragic news from Morocco. But a Palestinian delegation from Shu’fat refugee camp is in the U.K. addressing a major Conference of all the Trades Unions in the country to raise awareness of what is happening. Hopefully they’ll commit to boycott, divestment and sanctions, which the government is planning to make illegal here. The ruling class is very scared about the growing support for Palestine and Palestinians.
12/09/2023
A: Yes I am sad about what happened in Morocco. I hope I will succeed in visiting the U.K.
13/09/2023
I’ll have to look into it seriously when I am back from various travels, etc.
13/08/2023
A: Please work hard for this. I hope to succeed in coming to the U.K. I am confident that you will succeed in this.
19/09/2023
L: Well let’s perhaps have a meeting via zoom to discuss … I’m crazy busy until 2nd October … but after that
29/09/2023
A: Hi, how are you, my dear friend
30/09/2023
I’m well but very tired. I’m leaving Istanbul after a very short visit. I’ll be posting more tomorrow or even tonight if I have the energy. How are you and your family?
30/09/2023
A: I wish you happy and enjoyable times: I am sad. Things are getting worse here. We are experiencing great suffering and my mother is sick
02/10/2023
A: Hi
03/10/2023
L: Hello A. I’m fine and I’m back from a very brief stay in Istanbul to support a woman who has been persecuted for 25 years …(Pinar Selek LL) I’m so sorry about your mother – How are you? I will be able to send some money today.
A: Thank you very much. You are a very great woman, full of humanity, you are a goodwill ambassador
03/10/2023
L: That’s more than I deserve but happy to help where I can. So sorry to hear your mother is unwell again.
07/10/2023 11.20 am (UK time) LL
L: How are you? Following the news on Al Jazeera as much as possible – a bold response from Palestinians but I fear the price will be terrible … thinking of you. Please let me know what is happening and how you are if you get the chance.
07/10/2023, 16:07 (UK time 18.07 in Gaza)
A: We are in great danger. Hundreds of women and children were martyred. I cannot describe the scene here. It is disastrous for the neighbours and many people have been killed in my village. We are in great danger. This may be my last message to you. The situation is very terrible. I could be killed at any moment. I want to thank you for everything you have done for us. And always remember that I love you.
(Note the date and the time – this was c 12 hours after the breakout and attack from Hamas and Islamic Jihad on Southern Israel LL)
07/10/2023, 18:38
L: I am thinking of you and your family. It sounds terrible, reports here are that Gaza is being ‘pounded’. I hope that you will survive but can hardly begin to comprehend how frightened you must be. I send my love and solidarity as always.
08/10/2023, 11:40
A: The situation is very dangerous here. Thousands of martyrs and wounded. The scene is very painful here. I lost my friends due to air strikes by warplanes. Dozens of child martyrs. The electricity is completely cut off here. I will try to send you a message from time to time.
08/10/2023, 14:07
L: thank you. I am so glad to hear from you and I am so sorry that you have lost friends and are living with fear. I copied your earlier messages(anonymously) to colleagues and one has tweeted it and nearly 90,000 people have seen it. We are with you, as much as we can be.
08/10/2023, 19:54
L: This is good. I hope it continues to be published. The world must know about the crimes committed by the Israeli occupation forces against innocent Palestinians, children and women.
09/10/2023, 13:31
L: sending love – thinking of you all.
09/10/2023, 19:19
A: Since yesterday night hours, the Internet, electricity, water and food have been cut off in Gaza. The situation is very catastrophic. I was able to get an Internet card for limited hours in order to send you a message to reassure you. The situation is very catastrophic here. Israel is using a policy of genocide against innocent people, children and women in Gaza. I cannot describe the scene here. It is truly crying and painful for the thousands of victims of innocent civilians, children and women in Gaza. Israeli warplanes are bombing Gaza randomly and are bombing everywhere.
09/10/2023, 23:42
A: Once again, we are alive. I am trying to send you a message to reassure you. I am writing my letter to you while I am exhausted, under the sounds of Israeli occupation bombs, under the violent attack on Gaza. I am writing my letter to you while I am exhausted, without sleep, lack of food and water. The situation is very terrible here. Israel is destroying homes on its residents. It is genocide.
L: Oh A. How my heart is breaking and my anger is rising. There were demonstrations in support of Palestinian people around the world. The people are with you but our stupid western governments are not. Thank so much for coming back to me. Sorry I missed your first message but … believe it or not, we had a power cut so no Internet for example. For me it was a few hours and all sorted. I know that it’s far from like that for you.
10/10/2023, 24:05
A: I cannot sleep at all. I do not know what to eat. I am afraid. There is no safe place here. I feel terrified. Very painful scenes that I see. I cannot describe the scenes here. Entire families are being killed by Israeli warplanes. There is a great danger we are experiencing. I do not know where to go. Indiscriminate bombing everywhere.
11/10/2023, 00:09
Oh A, thank you for contacting me but it must be so terrifying for you and your family and everyone … Netanyahu says go but where to and how? We are thinking of you. People are on the streets to show their support. Stupid government offices are flying Israel’s flag but people who know the truth are sometimes outside chanting ‘take it down’. You are not forgotten … there are more demonstrations this weekend all around the world. Sending love and solidarity.
11/10/2023, 15:23
A: Gaza is without water, medicine, food and electricity, and many areas are without the internet. The situation is very terrible here. No one interferes where is the world? No one looks at Gaza. Israel strikes Gaza with an internationally banned weapon. More than 1,500 martyrs in Gaza, most of them children and women.
11/10/2023, 15:53u
L: Sending love. One very tiny point is that even the mainstream media IS challenging Israeli leaders and western apologists on this closure of Gaza. Let’s hope the USA puts some pressure on Israel … they may see it as strategically crucial and save some lives. My heart, and many others, is with you.
11/10/2023, 20:43
A: I am at home and I cannot leave. Israeli bombing is everywhere. Yes, the bombing was in my village, where my neighbor and her child were martyred. From the depths of hell I send you my message. The situation is very terrible. Israeli bombing everywhere. There is no safe place. Hours ago, my neighbor in my village and her child were martyred in an Israeli raid on their house. The situation is very terrible. Genocide against us. Israel is committing the most heinous crimes against humanity. Gaza lives in complete darkness, there is no water or food and the situation is completely catastrophic.
12/10/2023, 00:24
L: I have no words my dear friend. There are calls from many groups, including many Jewish groups, for this to stop … we will keep shouting. I send you my love and my sorrow at your desperation. Can I share your messages?
27/10/2023, 09:57
L: Dearest A – I noted that you had posted on Facebook and so am reaching out to you (you do not have to do anything, I know access to electricity, internet – everything – is desperate; just to let you know that you and other friends in Gaza are constantly in my thoughts – and in the thoughts of so many people who, like me, are shouting as loudly and as often as we can; in the streets, online, to our pathetic and despicable so called leaders. I can only send you love and solidarity – oh and also funds. If I send these at the end of the month as usual can you access this? Also if you do have a minute with connection, please let me know how and where you all are. Wish I could do more my friend.
A: (crying and explosion e-mojis)
03/11/2023, 14:03
L: where are you my dear friend? No one here (well the majority who have humanity in their hearts can’t believe what you are all being made to suffer. The protests are enormous and soooooo, slowly the politicians are shifting but far too little and much too late. Today in my town we are reading the names of the children who have been killed – my stint of reading is in 3 hours time – people will have been there for 8 hours in total. My heart is with you.
05/11/2023, 09:18
A: (crying e-mojis)
05/11/2023, 12:06
A: I’m alive but I’m exhausted and tired, and I’m so broken. The situation is very disastrous. There is killing and destruction everywhere. Bodies are lying in the streets. Very touching scenes we are experiencing. I can’t describe the scene. She’s really crying. Hunger and suffering are also very great. The situation here is as if we are living in a stone prison.
05/11/2023, 12:24
L: Oh A, I’m relieved to hear from you but I’m so sorry but not surprised that things are so bad. We all know there is no safe place in Gaza. We are out on the streets as much as we can be. On Friday we took 8 hours vigil, speaking the names of 2000 children who have been killed. We know it is double that number. We remember them all. We remember you. If I send some money, can you get it? Sending all my love … wishing we could do more.
A: Thank you very much, my dear friend. I am grateful for your support. We are in desperate need of money. The situation is very catastrophic here, hunger, thirst and diseases are widespread. There is no safe place here. Yes you can send money but I will have difficulty getting the money but I have to get it
05/11/2023, 12:50
L: I’m a long way from home but will be back very late tonight and I’ll send money. Thank you for being in touch. Hug your children for me.
05/11/2023, 22:30
L: just sent some money hope you can get it and soon. Thinking of you.
11/11/2023, 07:08
A: I am very sad, exhausted and in a miserable state with a lot of fatigue and exhaustion. I also got some water. The situation is extremely catastrophic as thousands of citizens of northern Gaza have been forcibly displaced to the south of the Strip. The situation is heading towards a very dangerous slope. Israel bombs Al-Shifa Hospital and Al-Quds Hospital, targeting civilians. Thousands of children, innocent people, journalists and doctors are killed in a very difficult situation. Massive destruction here in Gaza. Israel also imposes a starvation policy. It is very difficult to get bread and water. There is no food, water, electricity, or fuel, and the Internet is cut off for long hours. More than 11 thousand martyrs and more than 300 people are missing under the rubble, very moving and shocking scenes that we are witnessing.
11/11/2023, 07:54
L: We are watching – and I’m about to leave for London for what will be a huge march. Thank you for telling me, I cannot imagine what you are going through or how you are surviving. Where are you in Gaza? I’ll be marching for you all but especially for you. The government is worried. Even right wing people are horrified at what is happening to ordinary citizens. Sending love and solidarity, wishing I could send what you need.
A: Thank you very much for your support and sympathy with us. I am now forcibly displaced in central Gaza. I’m so exhausted.
11/11/2023, 10:01
L: Are you in a house or tents? Sorry for gap in responding but I’ve been driving. On public transport for the rest of the journey to the march.
13/11/2023, 10:46
A: The situation is very difficult. The situation is very dangerous here. I cannot describe the scene here. Bodies are lying in the streets. No one can bury the bodies of the martyrs. Very horrific scenes. Children are in pieces. The world is negligent and a partner with Israel in genocide. Where is the mercy and humanity in the heart of the world. We are being subjected to genocide. Israel practises a policy of starving people and children in Gaza. There is no water, no electricity, and no basic necessities for life. We do not want false slogans. We want to stop the genocide we are being subjected to
13/11/2023, 12:14
L: Oh A – I really cannot imagine how anyone is coping at all. The news is terrible and we feel, even while marching with, perhaps, 1 million people on the streets of London that our governments are determined not to listen … but the pressure is mounting, even the USA is worried and the French Prime Minister has (at least) called for a ceasefire. But while we mount and mount the political pressure, people in Gaza are being killed by the monstrous regime. I know what you mean about false slogans and I know if it stops tomorrow, the rebuilding of Gaza and the ongoing trauma for you and all in Gaza will need generations. I am so very sorry. One of our truer slogans on one of the placards was “It is appalling that I have to demonstrate to ask you to stop killing children” – and “The people under the rubble in Gaza are hostages too”. We are trying and doing our best and we know that it is not good enough. My love and solidarity as always and thank you so much for sharing; I know you and your family are alive and I get another glimpse, more than the terrible images I see on the news, of what life is like. But it should not need millions and millions of people protesting all around the world to get governments to stop Israel bombing Gaza …
29/11/2023, 08:17
A: Hello, how are you, my dear friend?
29/11/2023, 13:25
L: I’m fine but angry, upset and deeply worried about what is happening to you and what will happen, how can rebuilding happen, where are people supposed to go and so on. More and more people have woken up to the sort of state that Israel is and how it misuses the horrors of the Holocaust to play permanent victim … but, as another Jewish friend said, it should not need the murder of thousands and the displacement of 1.7 million to get people to wake up. (And governments are taking even longer) Oh and can you get money. I can send some more when I get paid again by Friday.
A: Yes, the situation is very catastrophic, complete and insanely massive destruction. More than 85% of Gaza population has been displaced from their homes. We live in hunger, suffering, thirst, widespread diseases, and extreme cold. The situation here is very painful. Yes, I hope you send money more and sooner. We are living in very catastrophic conditions
A: [short video of A and panning to the ruins of the houses after another bombardment.]
L: I will definitely send money on Friday. I can only send you love and solidarity (and a little money). How are you feeling? Perhaps there is no way to put it into words … There is a good chance that this ‘truce’ will last for a few more days but then what? It must be so terrifying for you. How is your mother, your wife and your children?
A: We are scattered and live in suffering, fear, terror, hunger, and the lack of the simplest necessities of life.
L: I realise that so I get that asking how you are is a very stupid question and I am sorry. We are lobbying our governments like crazy and Israel is losing standing in the world but so far no sanctions, although some Israeli Ambassadors have been sent back. Mostly fine words and no action … My heart is breaking.
L: Today I am speaking (along with many others) to a meeting mainly for young people in Sri Lanka where they are looking at the Development Goals in the context of an Occupied Palestine (I am speaking on partnerships which is the 17th of the 17 goals … the UN Rapporteur on Palestine is opening the session and she has been very angry and called Israel out for their nonsense (such as “we are not targeting civilians”). There are certainly speakers from the West Bank. Sending love.
01/12/2023, 18:17
L: Thinking of you all with my heart broken; I have just sent money. I hope that you will be able to get it .. and I hope it will be useful. Much love, huge amounts of sympathy and … I have no words now.
03/12/2023, 09:08
A: The Israeli attack on Gaza returned in extremely violent fashion, killing more than 700 people within 24 hours. Bombing everywhere. Bodies of martyrs in the streets, most of them children. Very shocking scenes here, the occupation destroying homes and streets, without mercy. I don’t know what to do. I’m so sad, exhausted, and I break down. We can’t sleep. There is stress, anxiety and fear. The occupation army penetrates Khan Younis and asks the people to go to Rafah. There is not enough space in Rafah for people to stand on top of each other. In Rafah, the situation is very dangerous. Where are the United Nations and the European Union? We are being subjected to genocide and forced displacement in a very brutal way.
03/12/2023, 10:10
L: And we know and our leaders know and we’re angry and that doesn’t help you or other people in Gaza … it’s clear to us that they’re trying to push you into a “temporary” tented city in the Sinai … it is beyond disgusting and also dangerous, obviously for you but also for the whole world. I think of you all the time. I wish solidarity was concrete help. By the way, were you able to get the money I sent? Hugs to you and your family. My heart is breaking and that doesn’t help you either.
A: Thank you very much. Yes, I received the money. It is small, but it helps a little. I hope you can bring me to your country.
L: Just glad it got through and wish I could afford more. I’m speaking to Johnny on Tuesday and will see if he can send more.
A: Thank you very much, you brave woman.
03/12/2023, 10:39
L: Oh bless you. I cannot consider myself brave especially when I get how much courage you need just to survive, to maintain your humanity and your dignity. They cannot take that away from you whatever they do.
03/12/2023, 12:01
L: I don’t do Twitter but someone sends me some information that posts are 10:1 for Palestine
07/12/2023, 10:52
A: I am now displaced in the streets of Rafah, without shelter, without food or drink. I sleep on the street in the bitter cold. The occupation destroyed Khan Younis, my home and my village. Dozens of martyrs and wounded from my village, bodies lying in the streets. No one, not even ambulances, can reach the village. Genocide. Very shocking scenes. I cannot describe the scene. I am now near the Egyptian border in the street and I do not know where to go. We are waiting for death. We are in deplorable situations. We are tired and unable to bear this genocide. Where are the people of the world?
07/12/2023, 13:35
L: The world is watching, the world is furious at our leaders. The world is furious and on the streets but the UN seems powerless …I’m beyond sorry. I’m also certain that Israel wants everyone in Gaza to move to Sinai … the 7th October events gave them perhaps the “excuse” to do it now .. it must be desperate for you. I know how hard it was trying to manage in Gaza before they began to pulverise it. I’m going to post your message …
28/12/2023, 20:25
A: The conditions are getting worse here. We are experiencing great suffering. We live in tents and in the streets after the occupation army forcibly displaced us to Rafah in the Southern Gaza Strip. We live in very catastrophic conditions, with non-stop Israeli bombing, hundreds of martyrs and thousands of wounded every day. We live in hunger and great suffering, great difficulty in obtaining water and food, extreme cold and great destruction. The situation is terrible, very shocking scenes. Genocide, hunger and killing of children and innocent people. I cry and feel pain over what we are exposed to
28/12/2023, 22:51
L: Oh A I have been thinking about you and everyone in Gaza so much. Like many of my friends, finding it hard to sleep but while I know what is happening I cannot imagine the toll it takes. I worry about you, about what you – and all the children – will have seen and then worry about the future. I’m with my daughter who I’ve not seen since early September. We’ve done little but talk about our disbelief at our, so called, leaders and their refusal even to vote for a ceasefire. We will keep fighting for you, for justice, decency and humanity. Sending love and solidarity as always.
29/12/2023, 19:55
A: The situation is very disastrous. I do not know why there is international silence regarding what is happening in Gaza.
29/12/2023, 20:30
L: Well the people are on the streets. South Africa has reported Israel to the International Court of Justice … it’s not silence but nothing like enough. How are your family members?
A: I am very sad. My daughter has been in the hospital for 15 days. She is sick. We live in miserable conditions
L: Oh that must be so hard, in any, let alone these circumstances. Sending love to you and to her.
1 Jan 2024, 09:06
A: New Year is not happy. A very bloody new year. In the first hours of the new year, dozens of martyrs and wounded, violent Israeli bombing, massive destruction, tens of thousands without shelter. We are in a tragedy that the world has never seen before. Really the situation is very dangerous. The world celebrates the arrival of a new year where we await death. The world is very cruel
1 Jan 2024, 14:33
L: The political world is disgusting on so many levels. All the aid agencies are echoing your experiences, saying they’ve never seen anything like this before, anywhere. We can only keep protesting as much as we can. Across the world people held ceasefire rallies rather than New Year’s Eve celebrations. Locally some of us gathered in the pouring rain just before midnight, by the seafront, to be in solidarity. There were huge rallies in major cities across the world. The world is very cruel, I agree, but many of us are reminding our so called leaders of their duty in accordance with international law and the Genocide Convention that includes prevention. Also I have just sent $$$ via PayPal. I hope that’s useful and that you can access and spend it.
L: us in the rain at 3 minutes to 2024.
6 Jan 2024, 20:03
A: Thank you very much, my dear friend. I don’t know how to truly thank you. You are a great and very brave woman. Very sad, things are getting worse here, very harsh conditions.
6 Jan 2024, 21:23
L: At least South Africa is determined to hold Israel to account. Lots of solidarity actions throughout the world. I was at a fundraiser organised by the local mosque and others were in and out of supermarkets collecting Israeli produce into baskets and then demanding the Manager stop selling it … we keep doing what we can even though we know it is never enough. Millions of us are thinking of you, trying to think of better, more effective ways to raise awareness and galvanise even more people into action. You are not forgotten.
7 Jan 2024, 10:29
L: And I have just been sent this : Do you know anyone who has lost family member(s) in Palestine? Or their relatives’ home in Palestine was destroyed? Please pass this information on to them. The International Criminal Court is now accepting online reports of war crimes.
Injury, loss of life and property destruction are all war crimes which you can report. Whether the crime happened this year or since June 13, 2014, the International Criminal Court is obligated to accept all credible submissions. Justice for All has just issued a toolkit to submit claims by victims and survivors of the Israeli aggression to the International Criminal Court (ICC). https://www.justiceforall.org/icc-submissions/
7 Jan 2024, 16:29
A: Thank you very much, my brave friend. I am so proud of what you are doing for us. I will try to access the link and file a complaint.
7 Jan 2024, 17:30
L: 👍
1 Feb 2024, 13:34
A: We are living in very disastrous conditions. I have not been able to log into the Internet for days. I knew I was in the hell of suffering. It is very cold here and heavy rain, I am shivering in the cold. The bombing does not stop. We are waiting for death at every moment. The sounds of planes do not leave our lives. I speak to you with a heart that bleeds with sadness. My mother. She is sick and I cannot do anything for her. She is suffering greatly and is hungry. The tents do not protect from the cold and the rain. Our life is hell.
2 Feb 2024,
L: Oh my goodness my friend. I am so pleased to hear from you and so devastated at what you are going through, how worried you must be. I have just sent a smaller than usual amount of money in case you cannot get it. If you can, let me know and I will send more. It is now pretty instant from my end via PayPal. Great concerns are being raised about the situation in Rafah but still too many Western governments are withholding funds from UNWRA, which is beyond despicable – and none of that helps you or your family, your poor mother who you were worried about so much long before October 7th; this must be an unbearable strain for her. Tomorrow we are marching – again. Last night I was on a zoom call with people from large agencies from several countries (Medecins du Monde, Amnesty, Save the Children and more, including a rep from UNWRA who was calling on us all to lobby like crazy for, at least that money to be reinstated.) My heart goes out to you and all in Gaza. I will keep doing what I can in the terrible knowledge that it is never enough. As others have said it should not take millions of people protesting all over the world to say that bombing children is wrong – but we have been doing it since this particular and extreme horror started and they are still barely listening … Israel and the western powers!!! I am so angry that I am not sure what to do with it. Please let me know how you are and whether you will be able to get the money.
A: Yes the money has arrived I can get it
L: Great. Hold on I’m sending more right now….OK it should be with you now.
A: Very sad about what is happening here. The situation is very disastrous here. Israel is trying to stop UNWRA from Gaza. This is a very dangerous thing. With UNWRA, Gaza is suffering from hunger. What if UNWRA stops working in Gaza? The situation is very catastrophic here. Israel is talking about the attack on Rafah where more than 1.5 million people are displaced in Rafah.
2 Feb 2024, 21:24
L: It is horrifying and as you say, 1.5 million people trapped in Rafah – which is ridiculous even without attacks. My heart is breaking and Israel also knows that they will only create more anger and resentment from the cruelty and collective punishment which is a war crime among so many other war crimes! Where is justice in this world?
L: So this evening I have been at a fundraising event to get money to Medical Aid for Palestine and the community in Al Mawasi with which local campaigners have been communicating for over two years … we also have an exhibition of art and poetry by children from Gaza – and we know that two of the children whose work will form part of the display have been murdered …
12 Feb 2024, 12:14
A: It was a very difficult night for Rafah. I expect that I would not survive the bombing, more than 120 martyrs tonight in Rafah, very frightening artillery and air bombardment, panic among the displaced
12 Feb 2024, 12:35
L: I’ve been thinking about you and everyone else as the news of the bombardments has come through. Even the mainstream media understands you have nowhere else to go. I cannot imagine what it’s like. I listened to the bombs via radio for just a few minutes and it sounded horrible, even though of course, I had nothing to fear for myself. Thank you for letting me know what is happening. How is your mother coping?
13 Feb 2024, 06:22
A: The situation is very catastrophic here. My mother is sick and there is no medicine here. Most of the hospitals in Gaza are out of service and Israel has killed many medical staff. I do not know what to do for my mother. A friend offered me a donation campaign to get my mother out of Gaza to Egypt but it is very expensive
17 Feb 2024, 19:12
A: https://gofundme/66999681 Help my friend and his sick mother leave Gaza, organised by Jairo Alberto. This is the donation campaign to save my mother, please participate
18 Feb 2024, 07:15
L: Thank you for that. I’ll donate and share. Sending love and solidarity as always
29 Feb 2024, 21:23
A: Hi, hello, how are you my dear friend?
1 March 2024, 08:35
L: Hello and so good to hear from you; I think of you and your family so often. I am well and have just sent $$$ which I hope is some help even though I know prices are terrible. I am also trying to help a friend’s aunt in Gaza (of a young friend who lives in Balata Camp near Nablus). I wish I could send more. Meanwhile I’m fine and yesterday was picketing an arms factory; we managed to fly a dozen Palestinian flags. Three of my colleagues were arrested and released after 14 hours and warned not to go near the arms factory or to mix with more than 5 others at any one time! Ridiculous but they are safe and well. We are all doing all we can think of to do and we know it is still not enough. Locally we are also linked with Al Mawasi (for more than 2 years) and have been managing to get e.g. solar panels and tents to them … and it is still a drop in the ocean. Stay in touch when you can, I know it is hard.
1 March 2024, 19:27
A: Thank you very much, my dear friend. I do not know how to thank you. I appreciate your support and sympathy for us. I am very grateful to you. I see the demonstrations in Britain and the world. I hope the war will stop soon. In fact, we are living in very disastrous conditions. Yes, you sent the money at the right time. The prices are crazy here. Prices in Gaza exceed America and Europe.
2 March 2024, 14:40
L: So terrible and so unfair. How can Israel hope for peace when they do this … whatever Hamas did or didn’t do on October 7th … Even the US is shocked by what happened on the Flour Massacre but have no answers …
1 April 2024, 20:32
L: Hi there, I meant to tell you I sent $$$ to your PayPal account yesterday. I was in the huge London demonstration on Saturday … we will not stop until the bombs stop and you have freedom. Love and solidarity.
A: Yes I received the money, thank you. I am very grateful for your support of us, I appreciate everything you do for us, we are slowly dying and the world is silent.
L: I wish I could do more. So many of us do. We are appalled and disgusted that it still requires, probably, a billion people across the world protesting to get *our* politicians to start objecting to what Israel is doing. So many people here have become so disillusioned. The people are shouting but governments, with a very few exceptions, are certainly as good as silent.
A: But Netanyahu, in defiance of the whole world, continues the annihilation
L: And looking to the fascist right in the government. They should all be at the International Criminal Court.
A: The world is indifferent to him
28 April 2024, 11:03
A: Hello, how are you, my dear friend? The situation is getting worse. The genocide continues and we are forced to leave and there is a great famine. I cannot describe the scene here. It is very shocking and horrific but hope comes from the American, French and English universities against the genocide in Gaza
28 April 2024, 11:59
L: Awful as things are, I am so pleased to hear from you. I am well but saddened and angry at what is happening. Where are you staying at the moment? Locally activists have had a direct link with people in Al Mawasi for nearly three years and we get some updates from there and I am so grateful for yours too. The students are being amazing and and the brutality with which they are being treated by the US police is despicable. We are simply staggered that calling for a ceasefire and an end to the genocide is considered dangerous …and, of course, even antisemitic. At yesterday’s march in London, the always excellent Stephen Kapos, a Holocaust survivor, is just one of many Jews around the world standing and speaking against that despicable and dangerous conflation. Sending you love, solidarity and on Tuesday I will be able to send some money too.
28 April 2024, 12:31
A: Thank you very much, my dear friend. I am now residing among the ruins of the house in Khan Younis after I used to stay in Rafah
L: Oh goodness; it must be hard to know where to go for the best with Israel threatening to invade Rafah as well as still attacking areas further north. Is your mother with you? It must be so hard for her to have to move (well all of you, but especially as she is an older woman – like me.)
A: I stay here. Among the destruction. Trying to be strong, making tea among the rubble.
A: We are in Khan Younis with no means of livelihood there for fear of the invasion of Rafah. We are facing great difficulties in Khan Younis.
L: I have this picture, which both makes me weep at the injustice and determined to support the astonishing resilience,
A: I hope to leave this hell and live in Britain or a safe place.
L: These are people from the Palestine Trauma Centre determined to create a bit of childhood still
L: Are these the ruins of your home? You must all be physically and mentally exhausted.
A: The world has let us down. I wish I could leave this hell for my mother; yes, we are slowly dying, physically and mentally exhausted
L: I wish it was easy or even straightforward to do [help him to leave Gaza] . Right now my vile government is doing its best to denounce refugees and offering no schemes for Palestinians as they did for Ukrainians and, to a much lesser extent, for Afghanis (who had worked with British troops and companies) and Syrians.
I am sending love and promise to keep campaigning for justice as well as for peace.
A: You are a wonderful, kind and brave person. Thank you very much.
30 April 2024, 13:15
L: Just to say I’ve sent $$$ to your PayPal account. Thinking of you …
A: 8 May 2024, 20:14
(Crying emojis)
8 May 2024, 07:07
L: It’s so awful … I’m so sorry … saying that is so meaningless but I don’t know what else to say. But you are not forgotten and we will keep campaigning, protesting; students and others will keep getting arrested … the rulers are terrified of the strength of the movement in your support but meanwhile you cannot wait, it’s taking too long.
10 May 2024, 11:39
A: Hello my love, once again I am alive in the midst of hell and real death, in the midst of destruction, famine and forced displacement, in the midst of great danger, in the midst of all the violence, I am trying to be fine, the situation is very disastrous. I cry. I see children being killed, I am torn apart inside. Very horrific and shocking scenes. I talk to you while crying. I cannot describe the horrific scenes here.
10 May 2024, 12:33
L: Oh A, my heart is breaking. There is nothing useful I can say to make things better because it is terrible. Even the phenomenal mobilisation across the world, still massive, still determined after 7 months of marching, protesting, rallying, camping at universities, lobbying and so on is not helping you live with this horror. How awful for you as a father too to know that your lovely children have had to endure and to see what no children (or adults) should. I can only say you are not and will not be forgotten. We will not stop doing everything we can even though we know it can never be enough. More and more people’s eyes are open now, even Biden is worried about weapons being used in Rafah … but why was he not so worried about their use in Khan Younis, Gaza City, or Jenin and Hebron? The people running this world are vile. One day, Insha’Allah the compassionate, humanitarian people will be in charge. They’ll make mistakes too but they’ll be looking from a perspective of working to make the world work for everyone. I send love and solidarity, as always. I am speaking at a rally (In Worthing Ed) for Nakba Day tomorrow and I’m going to read a poem by Rahar Alkafarna, 16, from Al Mawazi. I’m only interested in making Gazan voices heard and reminding people, as a Jewish woman that (some) Jewish people’s feelings of discomfort at anti Israel demonstrations should not get the attention the media gives when people in Gaza are being murdered, injured, displaced … I’ll say that, then read the poem. Are you in Khan Yunis still? I told people at a rally in my town on Tuesday a little about what has happened to your family. This is her poem:
In Gaza’s land where bombs do fall,
I’m just a girl, young and small
Living in war, a constant plight,
My world filled with darkness, no trace of light.
Through shattered streets and broken dreams,
We fight for survival, it’s not as it seems.
Town apart by guns and fires,
My heart aches, my soul tires.
In every corner, destruction looms,
Children cry, mothers mourn in gloom.
The sound of sirens fills the air.
Fear and despair, my constant affair.
I had a brother, brave and strong,
But now he’s gone, taken by the wrong.
A victim of this endless fight,
An innocent soul, lost in the night.
Oh how I miss his laughter and smile,
His presence made my life worthwhile.
But now he’s buried deep in the ground,
With every ounce of hope, I’m bound.
For in the face of war and strife,
I find strength to embrace this life.
Though pain may linger, hope survives,
I am a fighter, my spirit thrives.
In Gaza’s land, my voice shall be heard,
I’ll shed light on the world, with every word.
I’ll share my story, my truth, my pain,
For in unity, our freedom we gain.
10 May 2024, 13:58
A: Thank you very much, my brave friend. You are a true hero. I am always very proud of you. I wish you success. Yes I was displaced again from Mawazi Rafah to Khan Yunis
3 June 2024, 22:39
A: I am not well in the midst of fatigue, oppression, humiliation, suffering, death and famine … I’m very tired … I haven’t been able to talk to you for the past few days. The bombing was violent and very frightening. I was moving from place to place looking for safety but there is no safe place here. I really miss you. Thank you for your support and supportive words. The situation here is very catastrophic. I cannot describe the scene here. It is very shocking and horrific. There is great suffering and danger.
4 June 2024, 06:56
L: I’m so sorry but its sadly not surprising that you’re feeling exhausted and unwell. I cannot imagine how terrifying it must be. I send my love and solidarity as always and my determination to do what I can. Thinking of you always.
29 June 2024, 13:19
A: Hi, how are you, my brave friend?
30 June 20/4, 12:18
L: I’m well and very tired but cannot imagine how physically and emotionally exhausted you must be. Are you in Khan Yunis? I spoke at a rally (in Sutton Ed) yesterday along with a U.K. surgeon who had been operating in Gaza for a few weeks in January. I’ll get some money to you. Cannot believe today is the end of the month. Locally people are camping outside an arms factory. I’m popping up for a few hours later, taking an activist friend who is 97 years old. He spent many months on several occasions in Hebron and and the South Hebron Hills.
30 June 2024, 14:33
A: Yes, I am in Khan Yunis now, after repeated forced displacement. There is no safe place here, and there are also no minimum requirements for life here. We get water with great difficulty. I cannot describe the scene here. It is very shocking and very horrific. We are experiencing great suffering.. The situation is very disastrous here. Thank you for your support and your supportive words and your stance towards us. You are a very brave person. I am very grateful for your support and assistance to us.
L: I am not brave and really what I am doing is the least my conscience will allow. Over the weekend local activists for Palestine camped outside an arms factory with others of us joining them for talks on a range of issues. The horror of what you are enduring has galvanised hundreds of thousands of people newly into activism, for many they have completely changed their views on “the conflict”. I have been telling people about you and your family and also about the area I know in the West Bank – the South Hebron Hills where there was a dreadful demolition a just a few days ago. Many of us are also eg insisting the thousands of Palestinians captured, especially since October 7th and especially those held under “administrative detention” are also called hostages. We have to keep going, the tide is turning but still too slowly for you. Ilan Pappe writes (and others too I am sure) that this is almost certainly the beginning of the end for zionism but that does not help you either being so caught up in what we can only hope are its death throes, Thinking of you and all in Gaza and the rest of Palestine. (Sent video of a local action of solidarity “swim with Gaza”)
1st July A: Thank you very much my dear friend. You are truly very brave, I am grateful for what you are doing for us. My greetings to free people like you around the world. …how can I reach your country and participate in the activities you are doing for Palestine?
L: I wish so much that we could pop you and your family onto a plane to come here. And last night I read that there’s another mass evacuation from Khan Yunis. Are you staying or on the move yet again? It didn’t seem as though there is really a choice. We’re angry and horrified.
Nothing from A until 27th July, then line of crying emojis and this message:
Hello I am in a miserable situation. I am displaced on the street in a catastrophic situation after yesterday’s forced displacement. The Israeli occupation forces violently attacked the city of Khan Yunis. We have been displaced in a frightening way. The situation is very disastrous. I can’t go back to where I was. I left everything behind. And now, stripped of everything, we are slowly dying, the suffering here cannot be described.
L: Oh my goodness I read about what happened in Khan Yunis and being pushed back to Al Mawasi. I can’t imagine how you can bear this, other than there being no choice. I’m beyond sorry. I’m almost beyond fury and can take little satisfaction from the small moves being made by politicians in the West. I have been so worried and locally activists have been linked with the community of Al Mawasi for about 3 years – fishing town to fishing village. We hear from them too. It’s important for us to hear from you directly, we tell people…it’s changed minds but too slowly, too gradually to change things anything like quickly enough. I have no more words.
Later that same day (28th July): I read your message at a rally for Palestine today. (In Eastbourne Ed) We were right by the sea and today there is glorious sunshine. Many health workers are here. We will not give up. Your words matter, your lives matter, your freedom matters. My love and solidarity to you as always.
29th July
A: My mother is with me always but sleeps in a tent with people near me, and I sleep in the street. We do not have a tent, we are dispersed; very catastrophic conditions that human history has never witnessed before, the tears do not stop, pain, famine, my features have changed, the situation is hell and great suffering.
L: I am so sorry. Today I met with 4 of the 5 Independent members of Parliament whose campaign focused on the need for an end to what you are going through and much more. We discussed what more we can do….One of the main concerns is that we do not have time on our side, too many people are being killed, injured, displaced…but we do not give up, we will not stop sharing your stories, your experiences and demanding justice in every way they can. I send love and solidarity.
8th August: A: Forced displacement again in very catastrophic conditions, no safe place, the situation is very dangerous.
10th August
A: Hello, how are you my dear friend, thank you for your support and standing by us. I am very grateful to you but I am sad the situation is getting worse, great suffering and danger and famine and forced displacement and genocide the massacres never stop.
L: I worry about you so much I cannot believe that this has been going on for 10 months (and 100 years). The bombing of the school today has made headlines here but how much longer and how can Gaza be rebuilt even if (Insha’allah) it stops today? I am glad the money got through.
30th August:
L: Hi there and no idea if this message will reach you but have just transferred some money which I trust will get to you and be of some help, although I know it is not enough. Sending love and solidarity as always.
8th September:
A: Hello, how are you my dear friend? I returned after the forced displacement and the disconnection from communication and the internet.
L: So glad to hear from you. Where are you and your family now?
Nothing until:
25th September
A How are you my dear friend, in the midst of hell, suffering, famine, displacement and genocide, I am trying to be well.
L: I am so pleased to hear from you. Where are you and your family? I cannot believe that you and all in Gaza have been enduring these horrors for almost a year. I cannot understand even how Israel thinks this will keep them safe. Sending you love and solidarity and I will send you money on Monday – is PayPal still working for you as I have heard several Palestinian people have had their accounts closed down?
A; Yes, the situation is very catastrophic. We are still in the Khan Yunis area. We live in very catastrophic conditions, especially since winter is approaching.
Yes my paypal account has been suspended – But I created a new account
L: So desperately sorry and feeling so very useless; all my activist friends and colleagues from many countries know that we can only “keep going” even though we know the difference it is making is far too slow and limited; the narrative is changing but it should not require the level of carnage and destruction. Please just send me details of where to send the money to and any info – such as your name on the account so that I can do that. hopefully this account will still be open by Monday! (it wasn’t LL)
A: I’m tired of life, I wish I could leave this hell and suffering
L: Dearest A – I am not going to say something stupid like “stay strong” – you have had to be strong for so very long, for years before October 7th but I do hope that you can hang on…I hope also that there is a way for you and your family to get out, if only for a while but really you and your family, like everyone else in Gaza and like us in the UK, need to be able to live your lives in freedom and dignity and have the opportunity to thrive.
A: Yes, you are a detective, thank you for your words of support, you are a very brave person here, I hope to visit you in the UK
October 2nd
A: I am alive after the occupation forces and vehicles raided my village and the neighboring villages. The most difficult night this year. I cannot believe that I am alive. More than 40 martyrs fell in my village. Fear and terror. My family and I were surrounded by gunfire and shells until the early hours of the morning. Now, after the withdrawal of the army and vehicles, I was able to return home. It was an indescribable night. We were surrounded under the olive trees, barefoot, the cold was killing us, and fear made me cry.
L: Oh A…so many barely slept last night worrying about our friends caught up in Israel’s appalling behaviour. I was reading through our exchanges over the past 15 months or so. I want to share them with others if that’s OK. I want everyone to understand how dreadful the situation was long before October 7th. I’ve been working on a video for our Global Jews for Palestine organisation and will forward it shortly. Realise I missed the end of the month to send you some money. Will do that today…hoping your new PayPal account works. May you find somewhere to rest ….may you have some hours, at least, without bombs. Our real desire is for peace but our practical hopes have become so ridiculously small. Crying is appropriate and probably necessary. Thank you for letting me know you’re alive….
A: My account is suspended again, I will create another account after I get my strength back, I am very exhausted now
L: I can barely imagine how physically and mentally exhausted you must be. I struggled to sleep last night because things seem to be getting worse but I was still safe and comfortable. There is no way anyone outside Gaza can truly imagine how it feels to be going through what you are going through. But we can empathise and we can let people know. I’m so disgusted and angry with “our” politicians. Where are you now?
October 3rd
A: Yes I desperately need money for food and to buy nylon to cover the tent before the rains, I am trying to find a way to receive money
L: I am sending you love in the meantime. Would you be OK if I shared our exchanges more widely – I would not give your name; just “A” from Gaza.
A: Yes of course, you are welcome.
On 4th October, I sent him the Global Jews video with Arabic subtitles.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv-2N7LLzeA.
Dear Jewish woman
Thank you for sharing the story so far of A and for your wonderful compassion. It is painful to read and must have been painful for you to witness all these months. Solidarity.