Gaza's Fight to Save Its History Amidst Devastation

Gaza is facing a massive rebuilding challenge after the recent war. With 70, 000 people dead, many injured, and countless homes destroyed, the task seems overwhelming. Amidst this chaos, a small group of workers is trying to save what's left of Gaza's cultural heritage. One of the most important sites is the Omari Mosque in Gaza's Old City. Israeli forces damaged it during the war, claiming it was used to hide tunnels. Palestinians deny this and blame Israel for destroying their cultural heritage. Hamuda al-Dahdar, an architect and heritage expert, believes that destroying these buildings won't erase Gaza's history. He thinks these buildings represent the collective memory of an ancient nation that must be preserved. The Omari Mosque is a significant cultural site for Gazans. It's said to be where the biblical Samson brought down a temple. Over the centuries, it has been embellished and restored by various groups, including the Mamluks, Crusaders, and Ottomans. Its minaret was a landmark in Gaza's skyline, and worshippers would pack its basilica, spilling out after prayers into the surrounding market streets. Other cultural sites, like the Al Qaisariyya gold market and the Pasha's Palace, are also in ruins. The gold market was known for its timeless legends, and the Pasha's Palace housed a museum whose treasures are now gone. Dahdar believes that every stone in these buildings tells a story that must be preserved. Palestinian officials and UNESCO are preparing a three-phase recovery plan for these historical sites. The initial cost is estimated at $133 million. The first priority is to support structures that could collapse without help. However, there's a shortage of building materials, and prices have skyrocketed. The loss of these cultural landmarks is felt deeply, even among families who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. Munzir Abu Assi had to comfort her daughter Kenzy after hearing about the damage to the Omari Mosque. She believes that Israel wants to wipe out Palestinian identity and monuments.