Nour Elassy, a 21-year-old woman from Gaza City, has been living in displacement for over 10 months due to Israel’s war on Gaza. Born in 2002, Nour has spent most of her life under siege, surviving numerous military assaults. The current genocide has been the toughest for her, with over 40,005 Palestinians killed in Gaza and possibly closer to 186,000, according to researchers. Nour describes her longing for home, the simple pleasures of daily life, and the struggles of living in displacement.
Leaving her home on October 7 marked a turning point for Nour, who had dreams of becoming a writer and painter. Now displaced in Deir el-Balah, she misses the fragrant garden, lively cafes, and bustling streets of Gaza City. Nour finds solace in small joys like reading and coffee, but the reality of displacement is harsh. Insomnia, anxiety, and daily struggles for basic needs like water and power have become the new reality for Nour and her family.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Nour has turned to learning Italian and writing poetry to cope with the trauma. She finds moments of gratitude in simple things like taking a shower and charging her phone at a neighbor’s house. The constant struggle for access to communication and basic necessities weighs heavily on Nour and the people of Gaza, who have nowhere to go and face immense hardships.
Nour’s story sheds light on the ongoing suffering in Gaza and the resilience of its people in the face of overwhelming adversity. As the death toll continues to rise and negotiations for peace seem elusive, Nour remains hopeful for a better future and a return to her beloved home.
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