Palestinians say this war is robbing them not only of their loved ones but also of the funeral rites that long have offered mourners some dignity and closure in the midst of unbearable grief. Israeli strikes have killed so many people so quickly that they’ve overwhelmed hospitals and morgues, making the normal rituals of death all but impossible.
Overflowing morgues have compelled hospitals to bury people before their relatives can claim them. Gravediggers have laid dozens of unidentified bodies side by side in two large backhoe-dug furrows in Gaza City now holding 63 and 46 bodies, respectively, said Mohammed Abu Selmia, the general director of Shifa Hospital.
that’s awful - being unable to get closure
Yes. In no way am I comparing my situation to what the Palestinians are going through, but I was unable to visit my brother’s memorial service or grave, and it messed with my head for 5 years. I cannot imagine what it’s like knowing your loved ones are dumped somewhere in a mass grave you can never find.
Yeah my dad passed just when COVID was at its worst, and we just didn’t feel comfortable having a service, and i still sometimes feel guilty about it. And I’m not religious at all anymore, and even my family’s religious background it’s not like there’s anything special that must be done. I can’t imagine how shitty it feels when you do have specific beliefs and practices that you’re really supposed to observe. On top of them just being tossed in a pit somewhere with so many others.
My condolences. I’m an atheist myself, and yet I needed that closure. My heart goes out to everyone hurting right now.
yeah, assuming there’s enough left to get buried at all. my condolences for your situation
Exactly. It’s horrifying to think about. And thank you.