Seven months into the war in Gaza, Mohammed Said al-Halimy began documenting his daily routine with a focus on resilience amidst the conflict. Known online as Medo, the 19-year-old used his phone to capture everyday life after Israeli bombs destroyed his university and forced him into a makeshift beach campsite following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.
As the fighting continued, Mr. al-Halimy aimed to present a positive perspective, sharing his experiences of daily life under dire circumstances. He expressed a desire to showcase an “unseen side of our lifestyle” in a July interview.
Palestinians in Gaza have been sharing videos that provide a close-up view of the war, often going viral as traditional media struggled to cover the situation. Young Gazans are now portraying their routines amidst ongoing conflict, documenting activities such as waiting for drinking water, cooking with limited supplies, and tending to a garden beside their encampment.
In central Florida, Sierra Taft, 36, followed Mr. al-Halimy’s updates closely, expressing a sense of connection despite the distance. She described him as someone she could be best friends with if they had met in person.
Other Palestinians have also taken to social media to document their lives, showcasing cooking over open fires, unpacking aid boxes, and engaging in sports amidst the rubble. These creators, often fluent in English, utilize the language of online influencers to reach a broader audience and appeal for assistance.
Mohammed Faris, another young Palestinian, began sharing his diet and exercise routines under the account “Gymrat in Gaza.” He has gained over 180,000 followers and raised nearly $13,000 online. Despite the challenges of displacement and food scarcity, he aims to convey that Gazans are coping with their situation through his vlogs.
While some viewers have criticized the lighthearted content shared by Mr. al-Halimy and others, questioning its authenticity, he defended his approach by stating he was only sharing a small part of his life. He acknowledged the hardships faced by Gazans, emphasizing that he was trying to find moments of joy amidst suffering.
Before the war, young Palestinians had already begun using social media to engage in what has been termed “playful activism.” This approach allows them to share everyday routines and maintain a sense of normalcy, which can be seen as a form of defiance against the ongoing conflict.
Mr. al-Halimy’s videos provided him with a means to cope with his circumstances. He expressed a desire to create moments of hope despite the pain of daily life. Tragically, on August 26, he was killed by shrapnel from an Israeli airstrike, according to a friend.
Following his death, his followers have revisited his videos, leaving tributes and sharing memories. A fundraising effort for his family has raised over $137,000. Ms. Taft reflected on her loss, comparing it to the death of a close friend, and expressed concern for others she followed online, wondering who might be next.