Life in a Cemetery: The Struggles of a Blind Family in Gaza
In the southern Gaza Strip, Yasmine Abu Jamous, a blind woman, recounts her harrowing experience of living in a tent inside a cemetery with her husband and two blind daughters. After their home in Bani Suhaila was destroyed during an Israeli military operation, the family faced a grim reality of displacement and fear. Yasmine, who holds a university degree in child education, describes how they fled to Rafah before returning to find their home in ruins. With no other options, they set up a tent in a cemetery, a decision that filled her with terror as she feared for her family's safety.
Yasmine's life has been marked by hardship, compounded by the challenges of raising two blind daughters, Rawan and Tahani, in such dire conditions. The family has been living in the cemetery for five months, relying on limited resources and facing constant threats from the environment and the ongoing conflict. Yasmine's husband, Samir, scavenges for materials to provide for the family, but they struggle with food scarcity and lack basic necessities.
Humanitarian Efforts Amidst Crisis
The situation for the Abu Jamous family is emblematic of the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where many displaced families find themselves living in makeshift shelters, often in cemeteries. Muhammad Shabir, founder of the volunteer initiative Isnad Al Khair, highlights the urgent need for humanitarian aid, stating that many families are suffering from severe conditions and lack of support. The initiative aims to provide basic needs to displaced families, but faces challenges due to Israeli restrictions on aid.
Shabir emphasizes the unique plight of the Abu Jamous family, noting their vulnerability due to the mother's and daughters' blindness. He and his team of volunteers work tirelessly to organize the tents and assist families, but the demand for help far exceeds the available resources. The cemetery, a place of rest for the deceased, has become a temporary refuge for the living, illustrating the tragic reality many face in Gaza.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the overwhelming challenges, Yasmine remains determined to provide for her daughters. She utilizes her education to teach them, hoping to empower them to overcome their disabilities and societal challenges. Her resilience, supported by her husband, reflects a spirit of survival amidst despair. As they navigate their daily lives in the cemetery, the family clings to hope for a better future, even as they confront the harsh realities of their existence in Gaza.
