Nisreen, 7, plays under Ramadan decorations at Al-balad in downtown Gaza City, June 27, 2016. (Photo: Mohammed Asad)
Muslims across the world have spent June observing the religious month of Ramadan. In Gaza, where reconstruction after three wars in six years has stalled, the celebrations, fasts followed by feasts, and prayer has brought a welcomed sense of normalcy.
At night the landscape is set alight with festive lanterns. Charity drives are organized at this time of year to provide dinner iftar meals. Some families picnic at the sea for breakfast and in the late evening, others take to barbecue joints where grilled meats are served with salads.
Palestinian photographer Mohammed Asad brings a glimpse of how Gazans enjoy the month of Ramadan with many smiles and decorations.
Palestinian youth in Gaza fly kites at the seaside during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, June 2016. (Photo: Mohammed Asad)Al-Qasas brothers barbecue in preparation of the iftar meal at a “mashawi” restaurant in Gaza, June 25, 2016. (Photo: Mohammed Asad)Ahmad Harb, 13, receives a meal from the cook at the Al-Amal Institute for Orphans, June 26, 2016. (Photo: Mohammed Asad)Children dine at the Al-Amal Institute for orphans, Gaza, June 26, 1016. (Photo: Mohammed Asad)The Al-Rafaty family shares a seaside breakfast in Gaza, June 27, 2016. (Photo: Mohammed Asad)Nihad Hassan, 53, feeds his granddaughter, Seba, 2 on the beach in Gaza, June 27, 2016.Mervit Baker, 12, sells cups of buttered corn in front of her house in the Al- Zaytoon area, Gaza, June 27, 2016. (Photo: Mohammed Asad)Ola Matar, 11, stares at Ramadan lantern in a refugee camp in Gaza, June 27, 2016. (Photo: Mohammed Asad)Muslims in Gaza pray inside of a mosque during the religious month of Ramadan, June 2016. (Photo: Mohammed Asad)Ahmad Matter, 8, eats breakfast provided by a charitable foundation, at the Great Omari Mosque, Gaza. June 20, 2016. (Photo: Mohammed Asad)The Hassouna family waits for sunset in order to break their Ramadan fast, Gaza Port, June 27, 2016. (Photo: Mohammed Asad)
What struck me immediately was that there has to be (of course) a home for orphans in Gaza. Then I was struck by the smiles. Then I was struck by the normalcy of seeing Palestinian parents holding their children and feeding them. They even try to make beautiful the camp and everything around them. I wonder if the Al- Rafatay family is dining near where the 4 little boys were executed while playing football by the Israelis 2 summers ago…
It’s a heck of a lot better than Ramadan 2014, but the devastation remains~ both seen and unseen. The world has turned their collective backs on Gaza. I wish all of them a Happy Eid and will never, ever forget their yesterdays or today. Thank you Mohammed.
Joe Catron
July 5, 2016 4:31 pm
“I wonder …”
Yes, right next to it.
Citizen
July 6, 2016 6:46 am
They have a wonderful human spirit! I don’t know many folks who could carry on so, if in their circumstances. No kvetching.
What struck me immediately was that there has to be (of course) a home for orphans in Gaza. Then I was struck by the smiles. Then I was struck by the normalcy of seeing Palestinian parents holding their children and feeding them. They even try to make beautiful the camp and everything around them. I wonder if the Al- Rafatay family is dining near where the 4 little boys were executed while playing football by the Israelis 2 summers ago…
It’s a heck of a lot better than Ramadan 2014, but the devastation remains~ both seen and unseen. The world has turned their collective backs on Gaza. I wish all of them a Happy Eid and will never, ever forget their yesterdays or today. Thank you Mohammed.
“I wonder …”
Yes, right next to it.
They have a wonderful human spirit! I don’t know many folks who could carry on so, if in their circumstances. No kvetching.