A Glimmer of Normalcy in Deir el-Balah
In the heart of Gaza, where daily life is overshadowed by the lingering effects of conflict and displacement, a unique initiative is providing young girls with a much-needed escape. Every Thursday, 14-year-old Natalie al-Hatoum, along with dozens of other girls, eagerly anticipates a trip to what they affectionately call the 'cinema.' While it may not be a traditional multiplex, this weekly gathering, organized by a charitable organization in Deir el-Balah, meticulously recreates the experience, complete with mock tickets and freshly popped popcorn. It's an environment designed to transport them, however briefly, away from the trauma of their everyday lives.
Natalie, originally from Gaza City's Remal neighborhood, now resides in a single rented room in central Gaza with her family, their home having been destroyed in the early months of the conflict that commenced in October 2023. The war has claimed over 73,000 Palestinian lives and left an indelible mark on Natalie, who narrowly escaped the attack on her home and lost her grandparents and a cousin. "These incidents affected me a lot psychologically," she shares, highlighting the profound emotional toll. "I was very shocked. I always remember the memories I had with my cousin, and I get very sad."
Despite ongoing hostilities, Natalie finds comfort and joy in activities like these movie sessions, hosted at a center managed by the Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations-USA (UOSSM USA). "Whenever I come to the centre, I feel comfortable," she notes. "I feel happy."
More Than Just a Movie: A Sanctuary for Self-Expression
The weekly film screenings cater to girls aged 11 to 16, offering a carefully curated experience that extends beyond mere entertainment. Lasting one to two hours, the sessions are complemented by games and other engaging activities. What began with a modest attendance of 15 to 20 girls has blossomed, now drawing 35 to 40 participants, many of whom bring friends eager to join.
Fifteen-year-old Rama Abu Mohammed describes the center as entering "another world." She explains, "I feel like I'm disconnecting from the pressures of the war and everything we live through outside. It is a very safe place for us." For Rama and many others, the center is a vital haven where they can openly discuss their difficult experiences without fear of judgment. "We can release what is inside us and talk about situations that happen to us. They are always there to help us and tell us how we can deal with these situations." The films themselves are thoughtfully selected to address themes relevant to their age group, providing valuable lessons on emotional regulation and self-care.
Psychosocial Support in Disguise
Jehan Abu Zanouna, a psychosocial facilitator involved in the program, emphasizes that the 'cinema' is an integral component of a broader strategy to offer psychological support to children. "Children in Gaza have lived through many difficult experiences during what should have been their childhood," Abu Zanouna states. The primary objective is to create a temporary separation from their harsh daily realities. "We try to completely separate them from the tents, the heat, insects and the harsh reality they live every day," she adds.
The activities don't conclude with the film's end. Facilitators engage the girls in discussions about the story and its characters, encouraging them to articulate their feelings and interpretations. The program also incorporates crucial sessions on personal safety, boundaries, emotional intelligence, and protection against harassment. Abu Zanouna highlights the particular need for such education in displacement settings where privacy is minimal and parents are often overwhelmed. "There is very little privacy in tents, and parents are often overwhelmed with daily survival tasks," she explains. "That is why we work with girls on personal safety, boundaries and understanding inappropriate behaviour in ways that are simple and suitable for their age." The approach is practical, equipping girls with the knowledge to navigate challenging situations in their daily lives.
Recharging for Reality
For Rama, these discussions are as significant as the entertainment itself. "These topics are very important for people our age, especially during the war," she asserts. "Every one of us may have experienced a situation whether in tents or even at home. As a girl, you need to know how to deal with these things."
Zahra Abu Mohammed, a staff member at UOSSM USA, explains that the movie initiative is part of the organization's wider efforts to support children and families in Gaza, recognizing the escalating pressure on displaced families and their need for psychosocial aid. "We focus on children because they deserve a safe place to talk and play and to interact with others and with their community," she says. Movies were chosen as a medium because they can initiate conversations about emotions in a less didactic, more engaging manner. "We chose cinema because it is not only for enjoyment," she elaborates. "We don't just talk about the story or the character. We talk about how they feel and how the character feels."
The impact of these sessions is tangible for girls like Natalie and Rama. Rama often shares her experiences with her family, feeling a renewed sense of energy. "I feel like I recharge my energy and then go back to face everything all over again," she reflects. "I feel like I've released some of what I'm carrying." Natalie, too, returns to her crowded room with a lighter, more positive outlook, eager to recount the film and the insights gained. Her wish is for these activities to be a daily occurrence, enduring even beyond the project's lifespan or the resumption of school, underscoring their profound importance in their lives.
