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Carefully follow the violence in the hometown:

Al-Aassi and his family in Bergen have canceled this year’s ID celebration. Several of the relatives live in Gaza, at the heart of the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

NO CELEBRATION: The Al-Aassi family cannot bear to celebrate. In the background are Sami Souhad Al-Aassi (5) and Sila Souhad Al-Assi (3). Photo: Ole Enes Ebbesen / TV 2

– We simply could not celebrate. We have just stayed at home, says Al-Aassi.

He constantly follows the news from the city he left 15 years ago, whether it is Norwegian, English or Arabic news broadcasts. Sitting in safe Norway while the bombs hit apartment blocks near his mother and siblings makes him feel powerless.

– What can I do? And what can they do? Nothing, he says.

RECOGNIZES: - When I see the pictures on the news, I recognize myself.  The street I lived in, places I have walked, the high-rise that collapsed.  I know everything there, Souhad says

RECOGNIZES: – When I see the pictures on the news, I recognize myself. The street I lived in, places I have walked, the high-rise that collapsed. I know everything there, says Souhad Photo: Ole Enes Ebbesen / TV 2

Low power and poor coverage

In addition to watching the updates that flow in on TV and radio, Al-Aassi tries to call family members several times every day. But it is anything but simple.

– All the bombing in Gaza means that the power comes and goes, and therefore the mobile coverage is also poor down there. But I get answers sometimes.

MEET AT MESSENGER: - We have a group on Messenger where we meet, my aunt, siblings and my mother, Souhad says.

MEET AT MESSENGER: – We have a group on Messenger where we meet, my aunt, siblings and my mother, Souhad says.

And he makes contact while TV 2 is visiting. Suddenly an aunt answers the call and she can update her nephew. The aunt tells of several bombs in the last 24 hours, where one landed so close that pieces hit the garden nearby.

Little by little, several relatives join the conversation, and finally also Al-Aassi’s 74-year-old mother. It’s going to be tough for Souhad.

– How are you and your health? he asks, quickly wiping away a few tears.

– It’s like that all the time. They cry and I cry. And they are not allowed to sleep because of all the bombs. You can see in my aunt’s eyes that she has not slept for a long time. This is difficult for all of us, says Al-Aassi.

Tough: Al-Aassi thinks it's tough to see the family on video.

Tough: Al-Aassi thinks it’s tough to see the family on video. Photo: Ole Enes Ebbesen / TV 2

– Pray for peace every day

Souhad Ghazi Al-Aasii does not believe the violence will end in the first place, but says he prays daily to God for peace between the two countries.

– The way they talk on both sides, I do not think it stops yet. But I hope it ends soon. It’s not just my family I’m worried about, but everyone who lives in Gaza. They’re all my family now.

CONCERNED: Al-Aasii is concerned about everyone living in Gaza, and calls for peace between the two countries.

CONCERNED: Al-Aasii is concerned about everyone living in Gaza, and calls for peace between the two countries. Photo: Ole Enes Ebbesen / TV 2


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