Displaced in Gaza, Basheer dreams of school

Basheer was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at age four. The condition has gradually weakened his muscles, impacting his ability to walk, breathe, and move independently. His health continued to decline; by the age of nine, he began experiencing chronic oxygen deficiency and significant lung complications.

A child with a disability caught in conflict

When the conflict began in 2023, Basheer and his family were displaced multiple times—moving from Gaza City to Rafah and eventually to Deir al-Balah. Throughout these uprootings, Basheer’s health declined significantly; he lost the ability to walk and developed spinal curvature and pressure sores.

His parents describe a state of total physical and emotional exhaustion, compounded by the fact that Basheer has been without medication for two years. Living in a tent that floods during the rain, soaking his mattress, has only added to their misery. Basheer’s father, formerly a traditional food chef, lost his job, making the family's financial situation dire. Medical care or education feel like an impossible dream.

Enrolling in school was a battle

Before the war, many schools refused to accept Basheer because of the level of support he required. However, his mother’s persistence eventually paid off, and one school even relocated his classroom to the ground floor to accommodate him.

A major turning point came when Basheer joined a learning center last year. For the first time, he felt truly included. He shifted away from seeing himself as a child who "just eats, drinks, and sits in a wheelchair," and found a community of friends who accepted him for who he was.

At the center, Basheer began to thrive. He excels in his studies and participates in recreational activities and inclusive games adapted to his physical abilities. By playing games like hand-tossed ball, he builds self-confidence and a deep sense of belonging—finally feeling like any other child.

He often told his mother, “I wish I could play football with my feet, but I can’t,” yet despite his limitations, he never stopped trying.

Sometimes he misses classes because no family member is available to push his wheelchair, but he remains determined to keep learning.

A child with dreams

When asked what he would do first if he were healed, Basheer replied:

"I would go to school by myself, swim in the sea, and wear my scooter shoes."

Now, the family lives in a tent near Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. The constant shelling and targeting of the surrounding areas have left Basheer in a frequent state of panic. Despite the trauma and the danger, his parents describe him as a smart and kind soul who continues to fight fear with hope. His mother views him as both a precious gift and a sacred responsibility—one she vows to protect with all her strength. She remains steadfast in her belief that he will grow up to be "something different and special."

Back to school

Today, Basheer’s biggest victory is his return to school and his ability to feel like a child again—a child with dreams—through the support of the learning center. Basheer also takes part in the educational and recreational activities provided by the HI team.