Winter was once a cherished season in Gaza, bringing relief from the sweltering heat of summer. Children eagerly awaited the rains, celebrating with joyful songs about the life they would bring to the land. For farmers, the rains meant a fresh start for crops, and the markets would overflow with locally grown vegetables and fruits.
City dwellers found comfort in cozying up at home, sipping warm drinks like “sahleb,” and enjoying family time by the fire. On dry, cold days, many would visit the seashore, where the air was filled with the smell of grilled corn and chestnuts, and a trip to the famous “Abu Al Saoud” shop for warm kunafeh was a beloved tradition.
But these memories now seem distant. The winter of today has brought more sorrow than solace. Heavy rains are now feared for their potential to flood displaced camps, and thunder, once a comforting sound of nature, now mirrors the terror of bombs. Many Palestinians have no shelter, with makeshift homes barely holding up against the storm. Families endure the cold, unable to keep warm, as firewood has become unaffordable, and wood scavenging has become a harsh necessity.
Hunger is rampant, with skyrocketing food prices and a scarcity of supplies. Bakeries have closed, and humanitarian aid cannot meet the overwhelming need. Children’s cries for food echo in the camps, as families struggle to survive.
The warmth, joy, and blessings of Gaza’s winters have faded, leaving only despair. The hope remains that one day, khayr and baraka will return to Gaza.