Medo : Secret Project
Medo Halimy had a secret project, one he only hinted at during a TikTok live when he briefly flashed his phone camera over what looked like a writing pad filled with idea sketches. Was it a design for a shirt he planned to sell to raise funds not just for his family, but for everyone in Gaza? No one knew for sure. It was his secret, one he intended to unveil when the time was right. But that time never came. Just a few days ago, while sitting in a café trying to access the remaining internet in Gaza, Medo was caught in an airstrike. He was only 19 years old.
Medo lived with his parents, four brothers, and a sister in a tent for months. He had hoped to raise $100,000 through a GoFundMe page to help his family escape Gaza via the Rafah border and rebuild their shattered lives. On TikTok, he shared glimpses of his daily life in the tent, answering questions about what they ate, how they showered, and how he navigated day-to-day challenges. "Living in a tent like this is like camping in a desert for way too long," he said. "We survive on the bare minimum, and what's worse is the constant fear for your life, knowing there's nothing you can do about it because you're helpless."
A few weeks ago, Medo began a small farming project next to his family's makeshift tent, posting regular updates as his plants grew despite the harsh desert conditions. He vowed to keep planting until the genocide ended. In his last TikTok post, he narrated his day—starting with coffee, another quick glimpse of his secret project, charging his laptop and phone, sipping lemonade while waiting, and getting a haircut before heading home. That haircut turned out to be his last.
Medo was a young man with big hopes and dreams for his family and himself. His life was tragically cut short, but he was more than just a statistic in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He was a son, a brother, a friend, and a symbol of hope for millions around the world who followed his story. On his GoFundMe page, Medo described the daily struggles faced by his family and everyone in Gaza: "We've been surviving on what I call 'fake food'—canned salami, beef, tuna. It's all we can find and afford. Everything else is too expensive. We haven't had milk, eggs, chicken, or any real food in a while. Living in a tent is its own challenge—cold at night, wet when it rains, scorching when the sun is up. But rainy nights are the worst; sleeping under the rain with soaked blankets and mattresses is indescribable."
When news of Medo's death spread, his supporters posted farewell messages on TikTok, revealing how he had touched countless lives around the world. Through his lens, people saw and understood Gaza—his daily tent life, his little farm, and his resilience. Medo's positive outlook, even in the face of unimaginable hardship, is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope, however fragile, it still matters because it’s still hope.
