A dream of a new life despite the war - 54 couples get married in Gaza in one day

Amidst two years of conflict, destruction and death, hope for a new life was born in Gaza. On Tuesday, December 2, a mass wedding of 54 couples took place in the war-torn region. The special event was implemented by the United Arab Emirates-based humanitarian organization Al Fares Al Shahim, which offers a joyful moment even in the shadow of war.

In Palestinian culture, weddings are seen as important social and religious events, but weddings in Gaza have almost stopped during the ongoing war. Although some normality has returned after the recent fragile ceasefire, large-scale celebrations are no longer possible. The brides and grooms dressed in their traditional clothes next to the rubble, the grooms appeared with beauty and dignity in suits. “Despite everything, we are starting a new life. God willing, this war will end here,” said newlywed Hikmat Lawa (27), who was the bride and groom. “It is difficult to feel joy after so much grief,” his wife, Iman Hassan Lawa, said through tears. “God willing, we will build everything again.”

Locals waved Palestinian flags to wish the newlyweds, but the ongoing humanitarian crisis was somewhat dampening the joy. Nearly two million residents of the valley have been displaced, most areas have been reduced to rubble, and severe shortages of food, water and shelter have made daily life difficult.

“Once the dream was a house, a job, a normal life. Now my dream is just a tent.” The mass wedding stands as a symbol of courage, love and human resistance to start a new life even in the scars of war. People have shown that life does not stop, hope never fades, even in the midst of destruction.