ZIAD IN GAZA

For the past three days, my sister and her friends have been out for hours searching for a place for her friend and her two daughters, who had no place to go. Finding a space to set up a tent is almost impossible these days, with the increasing numbers of displaced families from the surrounding areas. After a lot of searching, they were able to find a spot for them.

It was important that it is a place near to people we know in case they need help. My sister talked to the neighbours in nearby buildings and they promised to take good care of them. Also, they offered to let them in when they need to use the toilets.

When it was time to set up the tent, they found another family wanted the place. It took them hours of discussion until the space was divided between the two families. Another challenge was securing the wood, blankets and nylon for the tent. They bought some, and some was given by families who wanted to help.

The mother and daughters were terrified till the last minute. They have never stayed in a tent before. But there was no other way. They kept asking questions about safety and logistics. My sister and her friends were doing their best; the tent was set up and everyone helped. Hours later they heard that a distant family member had agreed to host them in their house. They told my sister they will go there.

My sister told me: “Literally minutes after they left, a new family showed up, looking for a place to stay after evacuating. They couldn’t believe that a tent was set and ready for them. The wife cried.”