A family in Gaza has turned to planting a garden as a form of quiet rebellion against the ongoing Israeli bombardment, according to a first-hand account. Taqwa Ahmed al-Wawi described how her father and brother planted seeds and seedlings, creating a source of food and hope amidst devastation.
The garden, once a lush tapestry of olive and fruit trees, was supplemented with crops such as corn, peppers, eggplants, and herbs. The family purchased seeds from a local farmer, spending small amounts on items like popcorn kernels and seedlings. Each plant was carefully placed, with water hauled from over 200 metres away due to disrupted supplies.
Al-Wawi noted that the work was exhausting, with intense heat and constant danger. Some plants, like tomatoes and cucumbers, failed without protective greenhouses, and a mango seedling nurtured for 10 months died when the family was forced to flee to Rafah. However, resilient crops like corn grew to chest height, offering a sense of achievement.
The harvest included potatoes, mint tea, and arugula, providing meals that felt richer due to their origins. Even amid a supposed ceasefire, the garden continues to thrive, mixing old trees with new crops. Al-Wawi described it as a 'chronicle of endurance and quiet rebellion.'
