A Life in a Building!
It was not just a building, it was a way of life.
AL-Farra Tower
The Al-Farra Building, located in the heart of Khan Yunis on Al Qassam Street, known as the Royal Street, is considered the most beautiful and peaceful street in the city.
This building was constructed by three brothers, Hashem, Hisham, and Ghassan. It consists of six floors with four apartments on each floor, with an area of 250 square metres per apartment, it is the largest residential building in Khan Yunis.
Unfortunately, it has been destroyed and bombed multiple times.
It’s my success
In 2017, at the age of 15, I developed an interest in the English language and joined the Elites centre, located on the first floor of the building.
This centre was not just a place for learning, but it became a second home for me for six years.
However, this time would have been longer if it weren't for the building being destroyed by occupation bombings.
I studied there for two years, then volunteered, and eventually worked there.
It was my first job. My first meeting took place in Room 2, and Room 3 was dedicated to my first volunteer project, "Qotoof Thaqafia."
We had planned various activities and projects, but unfortunately, the occupation prevented us from realising our dreams and plans.
On the opposite side is the Youth Innovation Hub, a place where young people came to develop their personalities and ideas.
It was an integral part of my day, and I would spend 3 to 5 hours there every day, working, chatting, developing, creating, writing, dreaming, and planning.
However, all of this was destroyed by brutal bombing, leaving life colourless and devoid of hope.
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It’s a life!
My friend Haya Al-Farra, the granddaughter of Hashem, shared with me the story of how her grandfather had built this building with hard work and sacrifice, intending for it to be a place for his children to gather.
However, the occupation destroyed it, dividing the family and killing their hopes.
Haya tells me that the house used to be a constant source of joy and sorrow, filled with laughter and happiness.
But with the beginning of the war, Haya and her mother were forced to sleep together out of fear from the constant bombing and destruction, just like many others in the area.
Haya also witnessed the tragic massacre of the Faluji family, where her neighbours and friends were killed.
She saw the destruction of the Al-Saqqa Mosque, which was located next to their house, and experienced the constant bombing, destruction, and devastation.
After some time, the occupying army requested that they evacuate the building. They then moved to her grandmother's house across the street, but were soon asked to relocate to Al-Mawasi ( an area on the sea).
They were aware that the occupation showed no mercy towards the elderly, children, or the sick.
On 26th of February, the occupying army destroyed the building partly.
The house held great sentimental
value for Haya's mother, as it was her only inheritance from her father.
She hesitated before pleading to Allah
"Please spare our house. It means everything to me and my children."
But was the Isreali's promise genuine?
Unfortunately, the house was eventually destroyed, leaving behind only painful memories.
The simple request to "leave the house to me" was not enough to protect it.
Thanks for your words of memory, they carry on living feelings and they help to sustain the spirit of Gaza as a whole alive ... From here there are no words to what is put on you all, and in your mirror we are looking at the real face of a world and of us all too. Justice and Life and Beauty must prevail. Take care of you !