In Gaza, life has lost all taste and colour, everyday looks just like the other. Those were Hussam's first words when approached by HCI for assistance. Hussam, a former public servant, lost his job in 2007 and has not been able to find work since. Today, his days consist of watching TV for hours in hope that a cease-fire agreement or the like would finally bring an end to the ongoing dramatic events in the Gaza Strip.Hussam and his and family live in Hay Al-Zaytoun, one of the worst-hit areas during the Israeli war on Gaza. Between on-going shooting and phosphoric bombs, days and nights were lost in a perpetual cycle of terror and fear.
To use the words of Hussam's eldest daughter, 11-year old Rowan- "we were all scared to death. We would never sleep and when the bombings intensified we would hold each other and pray, so in case we die we would die together, with nothing and no one to separate us." Rowan's siblings, Ahmed, Mohamed, Sa'eed and Dua', were telling of the same terror and fear they experienced. They spoke of the days when they were deprived of water, electricity and sometimes food and their complete oblivion to time. Their days were all the same, full of fear and apprehension.
While still employed Hussam's monthly income was still insufficient to even secure food. In addition Rowan and her two brothers Ahmed and Sa'eed have suffered from a heart condition since birth. Several years ago, they underwent a number of surgeries in one of Jerusalem's hospitals but still require constant medical attention and a healthy nutritious diet.Despite the poverty and deprivation this family suffers from, its members remain cheerful, always smiling. Poverty has not stopped them from leading a happy life in their very modest yet clean home. Their story is that of a thousand other poor families in Gaza that continue to smile despite their loss and pain.
11-year old Rowan insisted that we take a video of her thanking HCI for its generous assistance at a time when the economic crisis in Gaza worsens and most families are finding themselves in danger of living under the poverty line. The other children were running about happily trying to appear in all pictures, mainly because they were happy to finally not have to split three boiled eggs amongst the five of them.
Hussam's wife, Suha, was discussing how it is impossible for them to purchase any meat or chicken because of the soaring prices. "A kilo of meat is approximately $20 while a kilo of chicken costs $6. Also, cooking gas is not available so I end up using wood to cook tomatoes and other very basic meals which are cheaper and more economical." The parcel offered by HCI, she added, will secure food for the family for at least one whole week. "I was always optimistic even throughout the most difficult times, because I knew that despite the siege and the war someone would eventually come knocking on my door- those people who did not forget us, who did not forget Gaza."(This story is part of a series of personal stories, compiled by Eman Khader, depicting the state of despair and hope seen in Gaza today. They have been compiled by HCI personnel during HCI's relief and development work in the worst-hit areas in and around Gaza City. Through an at-home-needs assessment and extensive outreach activities each family received a parcel consisting of 27 food and hygiene items which were put together in partnership with HCI's local partner in Gaza, The Aid and Hope Centre for the Care of Cancer Patients and their Families. Forty-eight local volunteers are helping make this project possible.)
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