Gaza before the Genocide

Yousef Al-Helou's film «The Phoenix of Gaza»

16:30h Palestinian food

17:30h Film screening and talk

Quartierzentrum Bäckeranlage

 Hohlstrasse 67, 8004 Zürich

mit Büchertisch | Olivenöl | Tatreez | Zatar | und anderen Produkten aus Palästina

Yousef Al-Helou's film was shot just two weeks before the genocide in Gaza began. It shows rare footage of Gazas beauty before its destruction.. 

In July 2023, after a decade away from home, Yousef Al-Helou, a London based Palestinian journalist and film maker, decided to travel back to Gaza. Equipped with a camera, he recorded what was to become some of the last footage of Gaza before Israel’s assault on the territory. His intention was to make a documentary film, which would reveal the hidden beauties, joys, and treasures of Gaza. Yousef created extensive reportage of Gaza’s historic buildings, recreational spaces, and beach life; of its olive and fruit groves, and its museums, mosques, churches, restaurants, and shopping malls, and shows rare aerial footage of Gaza.

Little did Yousef realise the footage taken during his trip would become some of the final records of the cultural, social and recreational life of the besieged and blockaded enclave prior to its absolute destruction by Israel beginning on October 8th2023. 

‍Growing up a descendant of refugees under Israeli occupation, Yousef’s life was shaped by the relentless conflict around him. Today, Yousef is an independent journalist, political analyst, filmmaker, and content creator based in London, England. He obtained a master’s degree in international relations from Brunel University London and is currently a PhD candidate.  

His unique and personal records of Gaza in 2023 serve as a valuable archive of the colossal scale of the genocide meted out not only on the lives and homes of Gazans, but also on the civic, education and healthcare systems, as well as cultural and heritage landmarks.

Yousef’s sister and her seven children were killed on 10th December 2023 by an Israeli strike on their home. They remain buried under rubble. Dozens of Yousef’s relatives and journalist colleagues are among the over 60'000 people killed since October 7^th 2023.