One Family in Gaza (2011)

After the Israeli assault that killed 1390 Palestinians, I visited Gaza. I spent several days with Kamal and Wafaa Awajah, playing with their children, sleeping in their tent, and filming their story. Wafaa described the execution of her son, Ibrahim, while her children played on the rubble of their destroyed home. Kamal talked about struggling to help his kids heal from trauma. What compelled me to tell the Awajah's story? I was moved by their tragedy and by the love for their children in the parents' every word. Palestinians in Gaza are depicted as terrorists or as helpless victims. The Awajah family challenges both portrayals. Through one family's story, the larger tragedy of Gaza is exposed, and the courage and resilience of its people shine through.