The Journey of the Abu Jarad Family: A Tale of Displacement and Resilience in Gaza

In the heart of a sprawling tent camp in Gaza, Ne’man Abu Jarad sits on a tarp, surrounded by the makeshift walls of his canvas shelter. For the past year, he, his wife Majida, and their six daughters have navigated the treacherous landscape of a war-torn Gaza Strip, desperately seeking safety as Israeli forces unleash destruction around them. Their story is one of loss, resilience, and the enduring hope for a return to normalcy.

A Life of Comfort and Routine

Before the war shattered their lives, the Abu Jarad family enjoyed a cozy existence in Beit Hanoun, located in northern Gaza. Ne’man worked as a taxi driver, while Majida managed the household and ensured their daughters were well cared for. Their youngest daughter, Lana, had just begun first grade, while Hoda, the eldest at 18, was embarking on her university journey. The family’s home was a sanctuary filled with love, laughter, and the fragrant scents of roses and jasmine wafting from their garden.

Ne’man fondly recalls the evenings spent on their rooftop, surrounded by neighbors, sharing stories and enjoying the beauty of their surroundings. “Your house is your homeland. Everything good in our life was the home,” he reflects, emphasizing the deep emotional connection they had to their space.

The Onset of Conflict: October 7

The tranquility of their lives was abruptly shattered on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, resulting in significant casualties. The Abu Jarad family, living just two kilometers from the border, understood that the Israeli military response would be swift and devastating. By 9 a.m., they packed their belongings and fled their home, obeying evacuation orders issued by the military.

“It makes no sense to be stubborn and stay,” Majida explained, highlighting the urgency of their situation. The family’s journey of displacement had begun.

Seeking Refuge: The First Moves

Initially, the family sought refuge with Majida’s parents in Beit Lahiya, just a short distance away. Although the environment felt familiar, the fear of bombardment loomed large. Over the next six days, the area experienced heavy shelling, forcing the family to confront the grim reality of war. Shrapnel pierced water tanks, and windows shattered as they huddled together, terrified.

As the situation worsened, they made the difficult decision to leave once again, this time seeking shelter in al-Quds hospital. Here, they witnessed the overwhelming scale of displacement, with thousands of families crammed into the building, desperately hoping for safety amid chaos.

A Cramped Existence: Life in a School

After a brief stay at the hospital, the family trekked 10 kilometers to the U.N.-run Girls’ Preparatory School in the Nuseirat refugee camp. The school, filled to capacity, became their home for over ten weeks. With little space to move, Majida and her daughters slept on the floor, often without enough blankets to keep warm during the winter months.

The struggle for basic necessities became a daily battle. Each morning, the daughters would rise at dawn to wait in line for bread, sometimes returning with only a single flatbread for the entire family. Water was scarce, and the family often walked miles in search of drinkable supplies. “If it wasn’t for the kind people in Deir al-Balah who took pity on us, we could have returned with nothing,” Ne’man recounted, highlighting the kindness of strangers amid their suffering.

The Tent Life: A New Reality

As the conflict escalated, the family moved to Rafah, where they experienced life in a tent for the first time. The conditions were dire; winter rains soaked their makeshift shelter, and they had no money to buy food. The youngest daughters fell ill, suffering from colds and diarrhea, while the family relied on U.N. handouts for survival.

Despite their dire circumstances, Ne’man and Majida clung to the hope that Rafah would be a safe haven. However, the reality proved otherwise, as Israeli forces ordered evacuations and intensified bombardments in the area.

The Humanitarian Zone: A False Sense of Security

In May, the family found themselves in a so-called “humanitarian zone” in Muwasi, where they hoped to find respite from the violence. Yet, the conditions were far from humane. With no access to basic amenities, they struggled to maintain hygiene and health. The kitchen consisted of a pile of sticks and two rocks for cooking, while a draped sheet separated them from their neighbors.

As the weeks dragged on, the family’s situation grew increasingly desperate. Food supplies dwindled, and the constant presence of Israeli drones overhead added to their mental strain. Ne’man’s youngest daughter, Lana, expressed her feelings of neglect, saying, “You stopped loving me,” a heartbreaking reminder of the toll the conflict was taking on their family dynamics.

The Endless Cycle of Displacement

As the conflict continued, the Abu Jarad family faced yet another uprooting. They fled to the Mediterranean coast, where they found temporary shelter with acquaintances. However, upon returning to Muwasi, they discovered their tent had been robbed, leaving them with nothing.

The weeks blurred together as survival became their only focus. Food scarcity reached critical levels, and the family’s mental and emotional well-being deteriorated. Majida expressed a profound sense of loss, stating, “We are jealous of those who were killed. They found relief while we are still suffering, living horrors, torture, and heartbreak.”

A Dream of Home

Throughout their harrowing journey, the Abu Jarad family clings to the hope of returning to their home in Beit Hanoun. Ne’man learned that his brother’s house had been destroyed, and his own home was damaged. Yet, he still dreams of his beloved garden, wondering if his flowers survived the devastation.

The stark contrast between their past life and their current existence is a painful reminder of what they have lost. “The difference between then and now is the difference between heaven and earth,” Majida lamented, as the family grapples with despair and uncertainty.

Conclusion

The story of the Abu Jarad family is a poignant reflection of the broader humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. As they navigate the challenges of displacement, their resilience and hope for a better future shine through. Yet, the scars of war run deep, and the longing for home remains a powerful force in their lives. In a world where conflict seems unending, the Abu Jarads embody the struggle for survival, dignity, and the enduring hope for peace.