After Israel's annihilation of Gaza, can I ever return home?

The destruction of Bahzad al Akhras's family home in Gaza was more than just a loss of physical structures. It was the erasure of a place that held their lives together, a sense of belonging he had always taken for granted. When a family member described the "privilege of home" during a virtual meeting, it struck a chord within Bahzad.

He had never before considered home as a privilege, but the experience in Gaza made him question what home truly meant and if it could be destroyed, not just physically but psychologically. Upon arriving in the UK five years ago, he felt homesick, missing familiar sights, sounds, and routines from his homeland. However, he still believed Gaza was there, waiting for him when his academic journey was over.

That sense of certainty helped him navigate life in a foreign country, embracing new experiences without questioning his identity. The annihilation of his family home in February 2024 shattered that certainty, leaving Bahzad with no home to return to. The physical journey to the UK looked the same as before, but psychologically, it was a completely different experience.

Now, he finds himself constantly asking what he would return to, even if he could physically go back to Gaza. This question has accompanied him through his PhD studies, leading him to reflect on what it means to belong and where he truly belongs. The concept of home is more than just a building or a place. It's a feeling of security, belonging, and connection to memories, language, and the landscape that shapes us.

For those evacuated from Gaza, this sense of home has been shattered, leaving them feeling like temporary residents in foreign lands while carrying the weight of the places they once called home.