Gaza's resilience: a Turkish woman's 24-year testimony of defiance

A Turkish woman who called Gaza home for nearly a quarter-century has provided a powerful testament to the resilience of its people amidst the current devastating conflict. Kevser Yilmaz Jarada, who moved to the coastal enclave after her marriage in 1999, lived through multiple wars and the ongoing Israeli blockade, forging a deep bond with the Palestinian territory. "I experienced the wars, blockades and hardships of the people of Gaza alongside them. I consider myself one of them," she told Anadolu Agency from Türkiye, where she is currently for health reasons.

Life Under Blockade and Conflict

Jarada’s account details a life orchestrated around severe restrictions. Access to basic utilities was a constant challenge, with electricity available for only four to eight hours a day, dictating the rhythm of daily chores. Water access was similarly limited, sometimes flowing only every few days, forcing families to rely on stored supplies. Despite these dire conditions in Gaza, she highlights that education was never sacrificed. "Life stops in Gaza, education does not. Even during war, education does not stop," Jarada emphasized, noting how children's lives revolved around school and community mosques.

The Psychology of Resilience

The long-time resident stressed that the relentless hardships have forged an indomitable spirit among Gazans. "Life was hard, but it always made them stronger. Gazans have strong faith; their psychology does not break easily," she explained. Jarada described a community that quickly restores itself after each bombardment, refusing to surrender. She connected the latest war to tensions surrounding Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, stating, "The people of Gaza sacrificed themselves to protect Al-Aqsa Mosque... They realized their own strength."

A Society Built on Self-Renewal

Even in the face of the current crisis, which has seen the health system collapse and a deepening housing crisis, Jarada points to a powerful "self-renewal reflex" within Gazan society. She recalls that after every ceasefire, life would immediately begin to restart. "As soon as a ceasefire happens, mosques are repaired and congregations gather again... After every bombardment, homes are repaired, streets are cleaned and life continues," she said, affirming that the people possess an innate knowledge of how to rebuild. She concluded with a hope for a future where prayers can be held in a "free Jerusalem."