Two days ago, on a cold December night, my family and I decided to light a fire to keep warm, given the power outage in Gaza for more than a year to operate the heater. We sat contemplating the year that had passed and our hopes for the new year.
Thus, the Palestinian writer Israa Abu Qamar began her article by narrating stories on the American “Mondoweiss” website, saying that a conversation took place between her family members on that dark night about whether it was possible to reach “a truce between the Palestinian resistance and the occupation army.”
The question on the family’s mind was: “Will the new American administration support the Gaza Strip and take steps toward putting an end to the war? Is it possible that this nightmare will end before the new year, giving us the opportunity for a new beginning without more bloodshed?”
Israa says that she let her imagination run wild for a few moments to escape reality, and imagined a night in which she could go to a peaceful sleep without being interrupted by the buzz of Israeli marches and the sound of artillery shells exploding in the surrounding neighborhoods.
She imagined that she would not have to live in relentless fear of losing her parents or siblings whenever they went out to the mosque or the market. “I would finally find some peace, even if it was too late.”
While they were drinking warm black tea, she said she asked her family members, “If there is a ceasefire, what will you do? What is your plan for a new year free of bloodshed?” Her 11-year-old sister eagerly replied, “I want to go to school and meet… With my friends and back to my classroom.”
As for her brother, Hassan (18 years old), he has always dreamed of traveling abroad to study engineering and explore the world. Israa believes that his dreams and ambitions now depend entirely on opening the border crossing. Hassan hopes that 2025 will be the year in which he can continue his education abroad, so that Don’t waste another year of it.
Despite the harsh reality facing Abu Qamar’s family, Hassan’s determination is unwavering. Israa added that her brother often talks about how “education is the way to rebuild our lives and even our country.” She said, “His words help me to remain optimistic, even when it seems hopeful.” An unattainable luxury.”
She continued, “Our dreams for the coming year may seem small to the outside world, but they are great to us. As for my parents, their dreams are simple but very touching. All they want is for me and my brothers not to sleep on an empty stomach, as happened throughout this year, and to see us having fun.” “Tastes like freshly cooked food again.”
In the midst of all these dreams and aspirations that she was hearing from her family, Israa found herself drawn into thinking about what she wanted in the new year, and she said, “There are many plans and goals that I hoped to achieve in 2024, but they are all postponed now.”
“I dream of returning to my university – or even its ruins – to feel academic life again, even if just a little. I dream of wandering the streets of Gaza with my friends. I had started learning to drive and wanted to get a driver’s license, and although there are not many intact streets, I still I look forward to that too.”
Israa concluded by saying what was on her mind, adding that what she wants now more than anything else is “simply safety! And to live my life in peace and quiet with my family, away from the constant fear that accompanies us at every moment. I want all the hopes of my little family to come true, and I hope “Aren’t we going to suffer another year like we did last year?”
