A Day in the Life of the Hopeful: Medo Halimy’s Mission to Spread Joyful Content from Gaza [Interview]
For most content creators, the success of a “day in the life” series on social media translates to brand deals, freebies, and increased social mobility. For Medo Halimy, however, his ability to transform virality into action has taken on a far more critical role—it could save his life.
Born and raised in Gaza City, Medo’s world was shattered when an Israeli missile strike collapsed his home, forcing his family to flee south. Their harrowing journey to the once-assured safety of Rafah was marked by untold terror and trauma. While his new “tent life” is a million miles away from his old one, Medo remains determined to make something of himself despite the ongoing genocide which threatens his people.
From his tent, Medo has started a “Day in the Life” series dedicated to demonstrating that even in the darkest times – people can still find reasons to smile and be in community with one another.
With a captivating story, infectious upbeat attitude, and maturity far beyond his years, we caught up with Medo for a remote shoot and interview to learn more about his journey, his aspirations for the future, and his ability to stay positive as his world turned upside down.
Click here for more information on Medo’s Story and to donate to his GoFundMe
What inspired you to start documenting your “tent life” on social media through your day-in-the-life series?
I kept watching videos about Gaza online, and they were all very sad and depressing. Since I am a positive person, I didn’t like any of those videos. So, I decided to create a page on TikTok and start posting my daily life on both TikTok and Instagram, focusing only on the positive aspects. I don’t show any of our real struggles and hardships that we go through daily.
You mention that before this conflict you were, like many young guys across the world you were focused on bulking up and going to the gym – how distant does your previous life and goals feel now?
My previous life and goals feel incredibly distant and unattainable now. For example, I used to be a gym enthusiast, working hard on myself for the last six months before the genocide. I was making real progress, but now everything I worked for is gone. I’ve lost around 15 kg and can barely lift any of the weights I used to. This loss extends to all aspects of my life and goals—I feel like I’ve lost everything and now live only to survive.
One of my main goals was to attend an American or European college and pursue further academic achievements. Unfortunately, this dream is now gone. I was working very hard on my college applications, investing in my future career, but I lost the opportunity to attend an American or European college due to the conflict.
You spent a year in the US through a foreign exchange program and speak highly of that experience. Is it difficult knowing that the country where you have fond memories is involved in the destruction of your homeland?
Yes, I spent a year in Texas as a foreign exchange student, and it saddens me to see the country where I had one of the best years of my life involved in the situation I’m facing now. However, I understand that it’s the government, not the people, who are responsible. I appreciate the support from people protesting or boycotting on our behalf.
What’s one misconception about your situation that you wish to clear up?
We don’t lose hope, and we know that this genocide will eventually end. Sooner or later, it will stop, and we will rebuild our lives from scratch. Palestinians are incredibly resilient, and nothing can defeat us.
How important has friendship been during this time?
Friendship has been crucial during these hard times. It means having someone close who is going through the same struggles, and we are both fighting the same battle together.
Can you tell us more about your life goals after this conflict is hopefully over?
After this genocide is over, I will pursue my life dreams, no matter how long it takes—even if it takes 50 years. I aim to achieve so much that everyone will remember my name.
What has been the biggest change to your day-to-day life since this conflict began?
My entire daily life has changed since the beginning of this genocide. In the past, I had a life. I had a full schedule, including youth club activities, gym sessions, and hangouts. Now, I am solely focused on surviving and constantly worry about whether I will live another day.
How do you stay inspired through all of this?
What keeps my spirits up is thinking about our ancestors and their struggles. They endured and made it through tough times, just like in all human struggles. It’s like a movie—it will end eventually. There isn’t much we can do for our mental health right now, so I stay positive. I see positivity as a strong wall between me and depression; I hide behind this wall to avoid depression.
What brings you joy through all this?
The most joy I get now is from the comments on my videos and the support from people worldwide. Seeing people recognize the truth and view the situation from an unbiased perspective is very uplifting.
What is one life lesson you’ve learned these trying months that you wish to share?
One lesson I want to share is: “Enjoy your life as much as you can; you never know what might happen or how long it will last.”
Click here for more information on Medo’s Story and to donate to his GoFundMe