In the midst of unimaginable hardship in southern Gaza, a remarkable woman named Reihan Sharab is weaving threads of hope and tradition. As Ramadan, the holiest month for Muslims, approaches, Sharab, 32, is transforming discarded relief aid boxes into vibrant, colorful lanterns. These aren’t just decorations; they are beacons of joy in a land scarred by two years of devastating war.
For the past two years, the warmth and customary celebrations of Ramadan have been largely absent for Palestinians in Gaza, overshadowed by conflict, displacement, and severe famine. Families, once accustomed to decorating streets and homes with bright lanterns to delight children, have lost much of their festive spirit.
Living in a displacement camp in Mawasi, west of Khan Younis, Reihan sits outside her tent, meticulously cutting cardboard from empty aid parcels. She then covers these frames with fabric featuring traditional geometric patterns, breathing life into what was once simply a container of survival. “The lantern here is not just decoration, but a message that we can create joy even from things that were associated with need,” Sharab shared.
Her project is a powerful act of defiance against despair. With simple tools and limited resources, she crafts lanterns that restore a sense of ritual and normalcy. The impact on children is immediate and heartwarming; their faces light up, touching the lanterns with wonder, a rare sight of pure happiness in their difficult lives. Reihan’s creations not only brighten the camp but also provide a small source of income for her two children.
This Ramadan, Reihan Sharab’s lanterns are a poignant reminder of human resilience. They show how, even from the simplest materials and in the harshest conditions, the spirit of tradition and the pursuit of joy can endure.
