NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
The holy month of Ramadan is celebrated by over 1.5 billion Muslims around the world. For Palestinians in Gaza, Ramadan is defined by hope amid destruction and loss. News Hour videographer and producer Shams Odeh spoke with people in Gaza to get a closer feel for their celebrations and sorrows.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the News Hour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- When did Ramadan start this year? When does it conclude?
- Where is the market located in this story and why is it so historic?
- What are some of the ways that make it very difficult for Palestinians in Gaza to celebrate Ramadan?
- How has life changed for Amal Al-Samri and her children since the war began?
- Why does volunteer Abdulrahman Abu Jahl say it's important for the children in Gaza to decorate in celebration of Ramadan?
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
There were several Palestinians interviewed for this story including shopkeeper Saeed Al-Saqqa who said, "We are working hard to restore our smiles here and bring Ramadan back to its celebratory form. But the pain remains. I mean, Ramadan comes and you have lost most of your family members, your neighbors, your friends and your relatives. So Ramadan comes with the taste of loss."
How does Ramadan offer hope for Palestinians even in the most difficult of times? How important is it to find joy during dark times? What do you think needs to happen in Gaza to end the destruction and loss?
Media literacy: Take a closer look at the videography throughout the piece by Shams Odeh, News Hour's videographer and producer. What types of images did Odeh include for "b-roll" (footage that the viewer sees while the reporter is voicing the piece offscreen)? What do you think the purpose of b-roll is? What images struck you the most and why?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
- Learn more about Ramadan by reading this Educator Voices article, How teachers can support students during Ramadan, by Rusul Alrubail. While the article was written with teachers in mind, Alrubail explains key topics that will benefit all readers including: Who fasts and why and what it's like for Muslim students in school who observe Ramadan.
Credit: PBS News Hour Classroom screenshot featuring Rusul Alrubail's post on News Hour Classroom's Educator Voices blog.
You may also want to read the Associated Press' A look at Ramadan and how Muslims observe the holy month. What had you learned about Ramadan in school before this lesson? What new things did you learn in this article? Why is it important to learn about other cultures and religions?
Credit: PBS News Hour screenshot
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