GAZA — Conditions in the Gaza Strip are showing gradual signs of recovery, even as the deep scars of the war that began on October 7, 2023, remain painfully visible. After months of crisis that forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes, many families are now beginning to return to neighborhoods across Gaza.
This transition is also evident in Deir al-Balah, which had previously served as a major refuge for displaced residents from northern Gaza. Slowly, religious and educational activities are resuming, bringing a sense of rhythm and purpose back into daily life.
Qur’anic learning sessions for children, youth, and adults—once interrupted by the conflict—have restarted in local mosques. The recitation of sacred verses once again echoes through spaces that were previously silenced by fear and uncertainty.
One of the flagship initiatives, the Baitul Quran Program at the DT Mosque in Gaza, has officially resumed. Beyond religious instruction, the program provides trauma healing, emotional stability, and a sense of normalcy for its students. Despite the cold winter season, children and adults continue to attend classes at Masjid Darut Tauhid Gaza with unwavering enthusiasm. The joy of learning together again is clearly visible on their faces, overcoming the chill in the air.
Among the many devoted students is Samaa Abukhsewan (11). The young girl is a direct survivor of an attack that struck her home, an incident that resulted in the amputation of her right leg.
Her story reflects the reality faced by thousands of children in Gaza who carry lasting physical injuries. Yet, this loss has not extinguished Samaa’s determination to learn and draw closer to Allah. With remarkable resilience, she continues to attend the mosque and participate in the Baitul Quran program with a bright spirit.
Indra Firdaus, a DT Peduli volunteer involved in coordinating humanitarian assistance to Gaza, noted that the restoration of mosques as centers of worship and learning represents a significant achievement, especially in a context where more than 92 percent of schools in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed.
According to him, religious and educational activities such as these provide critical psychosocial support for trauma recovery. Every step toward the mosque and every verse recited, he explained, embodies the resilience of Gaza’s people.
“They are not only rebuilding structures, but also restoring souls and safeguarding the future of the next generation,” Indra said.
This progress comes as international attention gradually shifts toward Gaza’s post-war reconstruction phase. While the path to full recovery remains long and fraught with challenges, the revival of mosque-based activities marks a deeply meaningful beginning.
“These activities reaffirm that the mosque—literally a place of prostration—continues to stand as a symbol of devotion and hope. The presence of Samaa and her fellow students is a light in a land defined by resilience,” Indra concluded.
Editor: Agus ID