Shadow of Resistance

Chapter Nineteen

Seven years had passed since those carefree days in grade 11. Life had changed in many ways, yet some things remained beautifully constant. Now, there is only one year left before I graduate from the medical college. I succeeded in joining medicine school in the top university in Gaza, the Islamic University of Gaza. I joined it just after it was repaired cause it was bombed in the 2014 war. My dream of becoming a doctor is within reach, and I have been working tirelessly to make it happen.

Sarah and I had grown closer with each passing year. We got engaged two years ago and were planning our wedding for after my graduation. Sarah had successfully completed her studies in media and was already making waves in her career, a testament to her dedication and talent.

She made an instagram page where she shares videos of Gaza and talks about the beauty of Gaza as she always dreamed. I always support her and try to help her whenever I can.

With my intense focus on my studies, I had stopped working at my father's shop, but the bond with my family remained as strong as ever. The support they had given me was a constant source of strength. Corona was a challenge but we were blessed that we all survived. Despite being scared and imprisoned in our homes, it made us become much closer than before. I also kept connected to some of the workers that I met there.

While many school friendships faded, I still maintained a close bond with Youssef, my loyal friend since kindergarten. Despite our busy schedules, we find time to hang out and reminisce about our school adventures. College also brought new friendships into my life, and I enjoy spending time with my new friends, sharing the pain and challenges of our studies.

Sarah is a central part of my life. We cherish our time together, whether it is me helping her in her projects, or planning our future, or enjoying simple pleasures. One of our favourite activities is our bicycle races, a tradition we had kept alive over the years. These races are a fun way to connect and relive the crazy cute moments.

30 April 2021, just before the last ten days of Ramadan. Today I am achieving a new dream. I am with my family on our way to Al Aqsa mosque in the West Bank. I can't believe Israel finally gave us the approval after all these years.

My dad is driving with mom beside him while me, Omar, Mariam and Jasmine are sitting at the back. Although it is usually me or Omar who drives these days, dad insisted that he will drive us there as there will be a lot of Israeli police on our way.

He was actually right. They stop us every few kilometres and check the car trunk. Sometimes they would get us out of the car and perform a pat-down on us. It feels really humiliating, but none of us say anything because we all wish to reach our destination safely.

We finally reach the West Bank and receive our hotel rooms. All hotels near Al-Aqsa mosque were fully booked so we had to book a room that is far, about 15 minutes by car. The room is a bit small but this doesn't really matter. We are just staying here for ten days and all I want is to visit Al-Aqsa mosque, pray in it, and probably perform I'tikaf there.

We leave our bags in the room and drive the car to there. I can't believe this is actually happening. I heard several stories from my friends and watched videos of the place there, but now I am actually going there.

Once we enter Jerusalem, I notice that Israelis and Israeli police are everywhere. Anywhere I look I see one of them. That is completely different from Gaza where it is nearly impossible to spot one of them there.