Gaza's Pain: Amal Hellers, a journalist who fled Gaza, shares the pain and worries of her family facing ongoing war hardships, particularly the impact on children without education and the deep emotional toll on loved ones left behind.
Amal Hellers, a journalist from Gaza, shares her heartbreaking experience after the war began on October 7th. She describes the pain her family feels from the ongoing conflict and their yearning for peace. Amal's sister struggles to care for her three children without education or safety, while Amal herself feels powerless and sorrowful about what her loved ones are enduring. Despite the challenges, Amal attempts to maintain connections with her family as she lives away from Gaza, documenting the impact of the war on their lives. A year later, the ongoing suffering and displacement continue to weigh heavily on Amal and her relatives, showcasing the deep emotional toll of the conflict. Amal’s story reflects the dire human consequences of war and the longing for a return to normalcy and peace in the lives of those affected.
Displacement and Hope: Families in Hanyunist were forced to evacuate due to bombings, enduring fear and loss. Despite finding shelter in Rafa, danger persisted, highlighting the harsh realities of displacement and conflict.
After the 7th of October, evacuation orders forced families to leave their homes due to increasing bombings in Hanyunist. One family waited for hours to find transportation. They faced fear and uncertainty as they relocated to a cramped basement in Rafa. Despite the danger, they continued to hold onto hope with the key to their old home. Tragically, explosions claimed their neighbors, reminding them of the constant threat they faced. Their resolve and the pain of leaving behind their memories highlight the human toll of conflict, as they navigate displacement and the struggle for safety.
Forced Escape: Amal's journey shows the pain of fleeing a war, filled with mixed emotions of relief and sadness from leaving loved ones behind. With just one bag, she and her children escaped Gaza, showcasing the harsh realities faced by many in conflict zones.
In early January, Amal and her children faced the uncertainty of life in war-torn Gaza. With few options for safety, they decided to leave for her sister's house in a dangerous area. Eventually, they were granted permission to escape into Egypt via the Rafah crossing. Amal felt mixed emotions: relief at surviving but sadness for leaving her husband and family behind. She had always dreamed of traveling the world with her loved ones, but this escape was forced and far from the joyful travels she envisioned. With only one bag, they waited anxiously before finally crossing into Egypt, marking a painful but necessary step towards safety. Amal's experience highlights the struggles and conflicting emotions faced by those fleeing violence, where the hope for a better future is shadowed by the grief of separation from loved ones.
Journey to Safety: A family journeyed from conflict to Egypt, where the children were both amazed and frightened by their new life, still grappling with trauma. They sought comfort and safety, but the past lingered, highlighting the need for time and care to heal.
A family fled from a troubled area and traveled to Egypt, where they found comfort but also faced challenges. The journey took five hours, and upon arrival, the children were overwhelmed by the new environment, excited yet fearful due to past experiences of trauma. They noticed simple things like a bed each and clean water, which they had not taken for granted before. Despite being in a safe place, the kids were still haunted by the memories of danger, like the sound of drones, making them constantly check in with their mother for reassurance about their safety. Over time, they were amazed by the everyday sights of Egypt, yet they struggled with lingering fear from their past. It became clear that while they were in a better situation, healing from their trauma would take time and support.
Female Journalists' Impact: Refugees in Egypt face huge challenges without residency permits, pushing some to relocate. Female journalists in Gaza have emerged as key storytellers during the conflict, connecting deeply with local women and providing essential insights into their experiences and struggles.
Living as refugees in Egypt can be extremely challenging, as many lack residency permits, preventing them from accessing education, jobs, and healthcare. Many refugees have to move for better opportunities, as seen by a recent move to the Netherlands for a fellowship. Female journalists in Gaza have become vital voices amid the conflict, showcasing stories that male counterparts might miss. Their presence is significant because they strongly resonate with women and can gather stories that reflect the women's experiences more authentically. This transition not only highlights the impact of local journalists, especially women in conservative societies, but also underscores their crucial role in informing the world about the realities of war through their unique lenses.
Separation and Duty: A mother faces the challenge of safety and separation as her husband stays in Gaza to report news, balancing her fear for him with her commitment to protect their children.
Leaving for safety in the Netherlands was a tough choice for a mother, especially since her husband chose to stay in Gaza for his important work as a journalist. Despite the fear and worries about his safety, she supports his commitment to tell their story. Their separation is difficult, and she constantly checks on him, living in distress when hours pass without communication. Each time she hears his voice, it brings her relief, but the uncertainty of his situation weighs heavily on her mind. This situation highlights the tough choices families face amidst conflict, balancing personal safety with professional responsibility. Her love and faith in her husband show the strength of their bond, even when they are miles apart. Her longing for him emphasizes how deeply connected they are, and how challenging it is to navigate life during such crises while hoping for peace and reunion.
New Beginnings: A mother expresses concern for her children adapting to life without their father, but finds comfort in their safety and education in the Netherlands, balancing her work and parenting responsibilities while striving to be strong for them.
A mother shares the challenges her children face after being separated from their father and relocating to a new country. She emphasizes their feelings of anger, excitement, and hope as they adapt to life in the Netherlands. While she worries about their long-term well-being, she finds comfort in their safety, education, and developing friendships. Despite the heavy burden she carries, she remains determined to provide a stable life for them, balancing her work as a journalist with her responsibilities as a mother. Experiencing a new environment has helped ease her fears, and she recognizes the importance of being strong for her children while embracing their new normal in a secure setting.
Enduring Struggles: In Gaza, families face ongoing struggles due to war: constant displacement, loss of loved ones, and lack of basic necessities like water and electricity. The humanitarian crisis deepens, leaving little hope for a secure and happy future.
Life in Gaza is a continuous struggle for many families due to the ongoing conflict. The blockade limits access to essential services like water and electricity, leaving people in dire conditions. Families face constant displacement and loss, as many have lost loved ones. The fear of disease and hunger adds to the despair, making it hard to find hope for a brighter future. Children, schools, and hospitals suffer greatly in this humanitarian crisis. For those living far away, staying connected with loved ones is filled with heartache as they hear about the hardships and tragedies affecting everyday life in Gaza. The pain and struggles seem never-ending, leaving families to cope with their losses while yearning for peace. They live in fear, and their dreams for a secure and happy life have been shattered by the violence and uncertainty that surrounds them.
Emotional Toll: War causes profound emotional pain, limiting connections to simple check-ins instead of joyful conversations. Displacement and loss transform lives, affecting families both directly and indirectly.
War inflicts deep pain on families, leaving lasting scars from loss, injury, and displacement. Many people survive physically, but emotionally, they struggle. Conversations between loved ones are reduced to simple check-ins, as fear and uncertainty overshadow previous lighter moments. Over two million people are displaced and countless lives are forever altered. The unimaginable suffering continues as uncertainty grips not just those in war zones, but also those who have fled yet remain deeply connected. In times like these, even small moments of connection become precious, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit amid overwhelming adversity.
Hostage Experience: A recent episode featured a former hostage held by Hamas in Gaza, emphasizing the human stories behind conflicts. The episode was produced by Olivia Case and Kate Ford, with sound design by Marilyn Seto. Listen to learn more about these personal experiences in challenging situations.
Last week, we shared a powerful episode featuring a former hostage who experienced being held in tunnels by Hamas in Gaza. This episode aimed to give listeners a glimpse into the ordeal he faced and the broader implications of such hostage situations. It's important to understand these personal stories, as they shed light on the complex realities in conflict zones. Moreover, we highlight the talented team behind the production, including Olivia Case as the producer and Kate Ford as the executive producer, along with Marilyn Seto who worked on sound design and music. Their efforts contribute to bringing these crucial stories to the audience. If you're interested in this topic and want to learn more, be sure to check the episode linked in the description notes. It’s a compelling account that emphasizes the human aspect of conflicts and the experiences of those trapped in dire circumstances.
A diary from Gaza - what happened next
Amal Helles, a journalist for The Times and The Sunday Times escapes Gaza this year amid bombardment that causes deaths of 40,000 Palestinians as per Hamas-run health ministry. The podcast discusses her life post-escape and the situation for friends and family still in Gaza.
Stories of our times
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Recent Episodes from Stories of our times
The budget recovery plan!
As a bonus episode, we’re bringing listeners of The Story an episode from the new Money Podcast from The Times. Rachel Reeves’ first budget raised taxes by more than expected, borrowed more than predicted, and brought higher taxes on employers than forecast. But now, Holly is at hand with a podcast pick-me-up! It is time to get down to brass tacks as she is joined by experts whose job is to help you understand money better.
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory
Guests:
- Chris Etherington, tax analyst.
- Tom McPhail, pensions expert.
- Jo Noble, Money Editor, The Times and Sunday Times.
Host: Holly Mead, Deputy Money Editor, The Times and Sunday Times.
Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com
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Trump vs. Harris: The battle of the sexes [Replay]
As Kamala Harris and Donald Trump face off tonight in their first TV debate, it’s more than just a political showdown - it's a battle of the sexes. The polls are too close to call with women heavily favouring Harris, while men lean towards Trump. Could the hot-button topic of abortion prove the issue that shifts the electoral balance?
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory
Guest: Sarah Baxter, former Deputy Editor, The Sunday Times.
Host: Manveen Rana.
Further listening: Why tech billionaires are backing Trump
Further reading: Why Donald Trump is suddenly talking about cocaine
Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com
Clips: NBC, Fox, AP Archive.
This episode was first published in September 2024.
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How violent could the US election get?
As polling day approaches, fears are growing that the result will not be accepted by the losing side. The potential consequences range from election denialism to violence, and even civil war.
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory
Guest: Tom Newton Dunn, covering the US election for The Times.
Host: Luke Jones.
Clips: MSNBC, CBS, New York Post, NBC News.
Photo: Getty Images
Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com
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The £40 billion gamble
The Chancellor Rachel Reeves has raised taxes by £40 billion in the first Labour budget in fourteen years. Does it ‘fix the foundations’ or does it punish ‘working people’?
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory
Guest: David Smith, Economics Editor, The Sunday Times.
Host: Manveen Rana.
Clips: Parliament live.
Photo: Times Photographer Richard Pohle.
Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com
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Liam Payne and the rise of pink cocaine
The One Direction star is alleged to have died with a substance known as ‘pink cocaine’ in his system. This popular, dangerous high could mark a new phase in the world of drugs. So what is it?
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.co.uk/thestory.
Host: Luke Jones.
Guest: Kate Spicer, Writer, The Times. Substack: https://katespicer.substack.com/
Clips: E! News, Virgin Radio, ABC7 News.
Further reading: Liam Payne, drugs and the rise of pink cocaine.
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The Democrats voting for Trump
Kamala Harris’ campaign is pulling out all the stops to woo black and Latino Americans, over concerns that voters from these groups are signalling their support for Donald Trump in record numbers. Polling suggests some of the Democrat’s core base will peel away to vote Republican in this election – so what’s Trump’s appeal? And could their votes decide the election?
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory
Guest: Tom Newton Dunn, covering the US election for The Times.
Read Tom’s reporting:
Host: Manveen Rana.
Clips: Kamala Harris, Univision Noticias, Washington Post.
Photo: Getty Images
Further listening:
Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com
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My daughter died of ME. I had to fight the NHS for answers
- When Sean O’Neill’s daughter Maeve died aged 27 from malnutrition caused by severe ME - myalgic encephalomyelitis - he faced years of waiting for an inquest to find out why the system failed her. That inquest has just ended, but will its ground-breaking conclusion change things for the hundreds of thousands of ME sufferers in the UK?
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.com/subscribe
Information and helpline services for ME are available at Action for ME and The ME Association.
Further reading:
- My daughter died of ME. I had to fight the NHS for answers
- A scandal waiting for its Post Office moment
Guest: Sean O’Neill, Maeve Boothby O’Neill’s father and Senior Writer, The Times.
Host: Manveen Rana.
Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com
Image credit: O'Neill family.
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Satya Nadella, Chairman and Chief Executive of Microsoft
As a bonus episode, we’re bringing listeners of The Story an episode from the new Tech Podcast from The Times. Presenters Katie Prescott and Danny Fortson are joined by Microsoft boss Satya Nadella. On a whistle-stop AI tour of the world and in his only UK interview this year - this exclusive conversation with Satya Nadella covers the dangers, pitfalls and growth of AI.
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory
Guest: Satya Nadella, Chairman and Chief Executive, Microsoft.
Hosts:
- Katie Prescott, Technology Business Editor, The Times.
- Danny Fortson, West Coast Correspondent, The Sunday Times.
Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com
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Melania: Donald Trump’s secret weapon?
The former first lady’s new ‘tell all’ memoir addresses everything from her nude modelling and her husband’s policies to her surprising stance on abortion. But why is she doing it now — and will it help or hinder Donald Trump’s presidential campaign?
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.com/subscribe
Guest: Josie Ensor, US Correspondent, The Times.
Host: Luke Jones.
Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com
Clips: Fox News, CBS, ABC, CNN, X.com/@melaniatrump.
Photo: Getty Images.
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'Rivals' and the cult of Jilly Cooper
'Rivals' hit our TV screens this month; it’s the first adaptation of a Jilly Cooper ‘bonkbuster,’ the 87 year old Dame who taught a generation about sex and posh people. Her uber-popular romance novels sell in their millions, so what’s behind her popularity (aside from all the bonking) and how is she changing how we see, and show, sex.
This podcast contains lots and lots of talk about sex and other themes of an adult nature.
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.com/subscribe
Guest: Sarah Ditum, writer, The Times and The Sunday Times.
Host: Luke Jones
Clips: Rivals / Jilly Cooper / Elliot Hegarty / Happy Prince / Disney+; ITV; BBC; Addicted To Love / Robert Palmer / Bernard Edwards / Island.
Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com
Image credit: Robert Viglasky / Disney / PA
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