Gaza Beach
The unsettled political situation, and the “crisis of borders,” the permission we must seek for every step we take– causes much stress among Palestinians. But despite our daily struggle, we always know how to create our smiles even though the smile in Palestine is hard to get. Therefore, we stick with everything that can help us find this pleasure.
Ask any Palestinian about his or her favorite place in Gaza, and the answer will likely be “the beach”. The sea is very special for Gaza citizens. It symbolizes escape– the only route possible to run away from reality and thus the only place where we can feel truly alive and free.
However, Huda Ghalia’s family discovered in the summer of 2006 that even the beach can be a dangerous place. This family went there to enjoy swimming and to ponder the beauty of nature. They never expected that their lives would end there, but they were the heroes of a disastrous tragedy. While sitting peacefully on a Gaza beach, an Israeli artillery shell exploded nearby.
Only Huda was the survivor of nine of her family members that day. She ran to her murdered father, shaking him and screaming “dad, wake up!” Without reason, they were killed. Huda’s family had no link with any militants nor had they shot rockets at Israel. Their only guilt was a desire of a little happiness. What excuse can explain what happened to them? Is Israel judged for that? The “international community” does nothing and Israeli crimes will never stop!
After that black day, Palestinians started fearing even the sea. They stopped going to their only escape from life for a long time. My own family stayed away from the beach that entire summer just like all other families.
However, we didn’t give up. Today, Gaza citizens continue to go to the sea even more than before. Every time I go to the beach with my family I find it more and more crowded, and it brings joy to my hearts. Nothing is more beautiful than seeing children flying kites and parents swimming with their children and throwing a ball to each other. It is the liveliest place in Gaza, especially in summer, and it will continue to be like this forever, in spite of the ongoing Israeli violence.
PALESTINE FROM MY EYES 
Soooo Fantastic, while I was reading I thought that these words have been written by a professional BBC’s editor. Go ahead and keep your writing’s level higher and higher, and don’t prevent us from tasting like these tasty writings.We’ll never forget the black disaster that befall to this family and to all Palestinians, may Allah have mercy on them and make them in paradis.
LikeLike
August 1, 2010 at 8:36 pm
You made me shy with your beautiful words.I may be BBC's editor, who knows :D. But I don't want to dream a lot. Thank you Waseem very much. I will always remember our victims in my writings because they deserve so.
LikeLike
August 1, 2010 at 11:20 pm
Hi Shahed, what happened to Huda is a sword in the world's heart and that is where the sword will remain until the structures that caused it to happen remain in place. Please continue writing girl. I can't tell you how much I miss you and family. Big hug xxxBianca
LikeLike
August 17, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Salam Shahd,I always find the spirit of the Gazans so uplifting. Even in all this destruction, murder, and the hideous attack on Gaza in 2008-09, you still find hope to live. I am amazed at your sumud. I try to imagine myself living in Gaza with my daughter – and I know it would be so difficult. Keep up the hope azizty Shahd. Justice will one day prevail. hugs from Haifa, a'ruset el-bahrkhulud
LikeLike
August 17, 2010 at 9:47 pm
Oh Bianca! You cannot imagine how much I miss u! I appreciate your interest of my writing and I'll keep it up. Enjoy your life my dear. Love!Khulud, Thank you for this nice words. I believe that the hard life that we lead creates ironic people, however, I beleive that u suffer more than us. I would feed myself burning if I saw the people who captured everything in our lives, face to face. May Allah help you.
LikeLike
August 26, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Hi Shahd , a great article . Yesterday, i was with Italian and we went to the sea . I saw a Palestinian fisherman who as known targeted by the Israeli navy . despite this danger , he continues fishing by his simple fishnet . I told the Italian friend that the fisherman is a real example of the Palestinians who do not give up despite all difficulties .. Go on Shahd . with all my respect
LikeLike
August 31, 2010 at 6:55 pm
Thank you Adham for sharing us this example :)I do believe that there is a great strength inside every Palestinian!Palestinian heros such this fisherman are uncountable!
LikeLike
September 4, 2010 at 1:39 am
Thank you for reposting this on FB Shahd. All of your posts have touched my heart. Be safe, and remember to smile. ; )
LikeLike
July 4, 2012 at 2:19 pm
Thanks a lot dear :) I’ll always smile <3 Hugs
LikeLike
July 8, 2012 at 9:30 pm