Brussels-based Palestinian Ramzi Salem writes poetry in response to fears about his family in Gaza

In the aftermath of the current Israel-Gaza conflict, one Belgian-Palestinian shares his fears for his loved one in the war zone that has already claimed the lives of 270 members of his extended family.

For 28-year-old Ramzi Salem, it is an agonisingly constant wait for news of his parents Suhail and Amira and his six siblings who have sought refuge in his uncle’s home in northern Gaza.

“The devastating loss has left us not only grieving for each other but left my family without a home after it was destroyed in the bombings,” explains Salem, who lives in Brussels.

“My family has been huddled together in the north of Gaza as they were not lucky enough to escape to the south where it is a bit safer. This means they are in extreme danger and are just existing, trying to protect each other, living on basic food and supplies.”

With limited access to clean water, electricity and basic amenities, Salem is worried time is running out for his family. Contact with them has been reduced to a few video calls. “As communication is limited, each moment without news fills me with anxiety, fearing the worst. I can only imagine the fear and helplessness they feel.”

Describing his own emotions, he says he has been “trapped in a nightmare since the war began,” and is particularly fearful for his youngest sibling, sister Rahaf, who is nine years old. “The thought of losing loved ones casts a constant shadow on us.”

Writing poetry as an emotional outlet 

The product designer has also found it cathartic to put his thoughts on paper and has written several published poems on the catastrophic war, while also attending poetry reading events. Salem’s poetry tackles the direct and indirect consequences of the conflict such as anxiety, acute grief, home sickness, overwhelming loss and hunger.

Now he is preparing to publish his first poetry collection To Die Standing. “These 22 poems capture the profound sadness, anxiety, fear and sense of helplessness that come from my experience as a Palestinian living in Belgium, separated from my family and my people in Gaza.”

Salem considers writing poetry his duty. “It's the least I can do to honour their suffering and resilience. Through my poetry, I strive to turn this pain into a form of resistance and give a voice to the people of Gaza, raising awareness about the Palestinian cause.”

Growing up in Gaza

Reflecting on his experience growing up in home country, Salem says: “My own childhood was one of survival rather than free play. There were no parks or safe places to gather with friends; instead the streets were often dangerous and even at home we were not safe. The sound of bombings and gunfire happened every day.”

Years before the present fighting, Salem’s home in the Jabalya camp in northern Gaza was destroyed during repeated violent clashes between Hamas and Israel over occupation in the troubled region.

He left Gaza in 2016 after being awarded a scholarship to continue his education in Turkey and later sought asylum in Belgium as a refugee. “I am now proud to be Belgian but my heart has and always will be with my family,” he says.

The present fighting is the fifth war between Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups and Israel since 2008 and fatalities in Gaza are estimated to be above 35,000 since the war broke out. Although there are calls from within Israel as well as internationally to end the conflict, the possibility of a ceasefire is currently looking elusive.

This article was updated at the request of the interviewee on 6 September to remove reference to a crowdfunding campaign and to add information about his poetry.