Surviving Gaza’s Ruins, Zaman FM Broadcasts Hope and Resilience

In the heart of Gaza, a radio station is defying the odds and returning to the airwaves. Zaman FM, once a popular independent station, has resumed broadcasting from a partially destroyed building in the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood of Gaza City. Despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the destruction wrought by conflict, the station is providing vital information and a sense of community to its listeners.

Broadcasting Amidst Destruction

Dr. Rami al-Ashrafi, the station’s host, opens each show with a familiar greeting: “Good morning to our families and to everyone listening to us on 90.60 FM.” This simple message resonates deeply with listeners who have endured a tumultuous period of violence and uncertainty. Since the ceasefire began in October 2023, al-Ashrafi and his small team have taken to the air for three to four hours daily, depending on power availability.

The programming covers a range of topics, from warnings about unexploded ordnance in the streets to discussions about the rising costs of living. Recently, al-Ashrafi highlighted the dramatic increase in food prices, noting, “A tray of eggs was 25 shekels yesterday; today it has jumped to 90 shekels. Where is the Ministry of Economy?”

Zaman FM was silenced during the initial weeks of conflict that followed the October 7 terror attacks, which saw Israel launch extensive strikes in Gaza. As the violence continued, many local media outlets faced severe challenges, including loss of infrastructure and personnel. However, as the ceasefire has largely held, Zaman FM has emerged as a beacon of hope.

The Power of Community Radio

Operating under dire circumstances, Zaman FM broadcasts with limited resources. The station’s antenna is precariously positioned on a piece of rubble, with its signal reaching less than a mile due to the destruction of its rooftop. Previously staffed by a team of twelve, the station now relies on just five part-time volunteers, underscoring the challenges faced by Gaza’s media landscape.

Listeners have expressed their appreciation for the station’s return. Zayed Khalil, a regular listener, described how the station rekindles “beautiful memories” of a time when the community gathered around the radio. “It felt like a piece of our old life had come back, a reminder of the better days we once had,” he said. This sentiment is echoed by younger generations who, despite their familiarity with digital platforms, are turning back to radio for connection and information.

As many Palestinians mark Ramadan in makeshift tents amid the devastation, Zaman FM serves as a reminder of resilience. Al-Ashrafi, reflecting on the challenges of fasting through both hunger and loss, wishes his audience a “blessed Ramadan.” He noted, “We are here, broadcasting from Gaza, carrying the voices of our people.”

The journey of Zaman FM is emblematic of the broader struggles faced by many in Gaza. Reconstruction remains a daunting challenge, compounded by the need for a sustainable peace process and the demilitarization of factions like Hamas. Yet, the spirit embodied by community radio continues to offer a semblance of normalcy and connection in a fractured landscape.

As the station continues to broadcast, it highlights the enduring power of media in times of crisis, affirming that even amidst destruction, hope and community can thrive.