Sourced fact
The News
In the aftermath of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, books have become a symbol of resilience and education. Aya Al-Ashrawi, a sixth-grade student, received an old book after it was restored and revived from under the rubble of destroyed buildings. This book, which has become one of her most cherished possessions, represents a long story of destruction and resilience.
Mohammed Saeed, who has spent more than three decades collecting books, lost his library which contained between 50,000 and 100,000 titles after it was destroyed in the war. Saeed returned to his home in Beit Lahia to find what remained of his collection and managed to recover around 12,000 books. He established a temporary library in his tent in Deir Al Balbaadia, where he continues to clean and restore the books.
According to UNESCO, cultural sites and institutions in Gaza were severely damaged during the war. Approximately 98% of schools' buildings in the Strip were destroyed or damaged. This means that books have become a crucial means of bringing children back to education, especially with many families unable to purchase books due to their high prices.
Another volunteer in this effort is Omar Hamad, who searches for books in destroyed libraries in Gaza. So far, Hamad and his team have recovered around 3,000 books. Hamad notes that some of the books they have recovered represent crimes committed against Palestinians, such as a book titled "The Palestinian Catastrophe" found in the Islamic University of Gaza's library.
Volunteers face significant challenges in restoring books, including the high cost of restoration materials. Jamal Makad, an expert in book restoration, explains that the cost of materials has risen sharply due to the Israeli blockade on Gaza and the war. Some books cannot be restored, but they remain a witness to the crimes committed against Palestinians.
In new libraries like the Phoenix Library, books are loaned out instead of sold, allowing children access to books once again. Aya, like many other children, sees books as a means to continue her education and achieve her dreams despite difficult circumstances.
Analysis & context
Analysis & Context
Analytically, books and culture represent a vital part of the Palestinian identity in Gaza. The Israeli war led to the destruction of cultural and educational infrastructure, resulting in the loss of many books and libraries. This reflects the impact of the war on the cultural and educational identity of Palestinian residents in Gaza.
In a broader context, books and culture serve as a means of resilience and survival in the face of violence and destruction. The efforts of Mohammed Saeed and others in rescuing and maintaining books reflect a strong will to preserve cultural and educational identity in difficult conditions.
It is also worth noting that redistributing books among children and students helps maintain cultural and educational ties, providing children with an opportunity to escape from their harsh reality and return to the world of reading and learning.
