“Eid is special”– “and we will tell you why,” say 20-year old bloggers and twin sisters from Gaza City, Asmaa and Saja Khaldi, otherwise known as the “Khaldi twins.” The pair posted a video greeting on Sunday of how they and other Palestinians celebrate the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha which occurred over the weekend.
Eid is a holy day–Eid al-Adha, literally “feast of the sacrifice” commemorating the Quranic story of God sparing Ibrahim’s son Ismail from sacrifice (Abraham and Ishmael in other monotheistic traditions). But the Khaldi twins explain Eid is more than prayer and religious practices, “You dress prettily unlike your daily pajamas”–“The aromatic smell of Arabian coffee that you keep drinking all of the days.”
Part of the charm of the Khaldi twins is that they are upbeat. They seem to genuinely excited to share their lives in Gaza with the outside world, and it is delightful to watch their energy. All of their videos are posted in English and often are filmed in their home, sometimes with bit roles for family members and friends on the streets.
After the twins posted their video, it was shared on social media by Palestinian news outlets. It has been viewed 29,000 times. For a little more on the twins and their project, take a look at the Khaldi Twins “Introduction” video:
Thanks for this report, Allison. Along with Ahmad Karabiti’s incredible report (below) on teen girls trying to live full lives in Gaza, this story makes clear that Gazans ARE communicating with the world despite unthinkable hardship and that their pleasures and aspirations are not different from young Americans’. Why can’t the mainstream media convey the hard truths of the siege?
https://mondoweiss.mystagingwebsite.com/2017/09/teenage-lament-double/
Wow, finally something full of joy to share from the world’s largest prison. May more positivity flow from Gaza, especially when the siege / blockade is lifted.
This video wasn’t made for my pleasure per se, but it was such a privilege to watch and be invited into the lives of these beautiful young women for a few minutes. I look forward to seeing more of the Khaldi Twins! Thank you so much – brightened my day!! Shukran and Eid Mubarak!
“The happiest people don’t have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything.” — curiano.com. See also : /Users/cyberspacelab/Desktop/Quote.2.webarchive
Thanks for this. Delightful, informative with a creative twist.