10-year-old chef in Gaza offers a taste of hope during genocide

Amid Israeli military operations, the streets of Gaza have found a new star.

Renad Attalah, a 10-year-old girl with a big smile and a love for cooking, has captured many hearts with her entertaining cooking videos.

“One of her recipe videos is titled ‘War’s Lollipop by Chef Renad’,” reads a caption.

Her recipes are always simple and creative, using ingredients obtained from aid sent into Gaza.

“I have always loved cooking, but I didn’t realise I had this skill before the war started,” Renad tells Al Jazeera. Her passion for cooking has become a source of hope and joy, not only for herself but also for many who watch her.

Thousands of people in northern Gaza are facing severe shortages of water and food since Israel’s attacks began on October 7, resulting in at least 38,011 deaths and 87,445 injuries.

This grim reality contrasts sharply with Renad’s cheerful cooking videos, which depict the challenging conditions she works under. Despite the obstacles, she cooks using donated food and aid.

“We have been searching for drinking water in Gaza for three days, but there is none,” she shares in one of her heartfelt videos.

“Bombardments, warplanes, drones, and the lack of internet are all challenges. Whenever the internet service is restored, I occupy myself with creating content and posting,” she says.

Renad strives to upload her recipes to social media as frequently as possible, despite numerous challenges.

Nourhan, Renad’s sister, recalls how it all began: “It was a spontaneous idea. We had been confined at home since the start of the war. We wanted to do something to cheer Renad up, so we started filming her cooking randomly. After more than four months, when the internet was finally restored, I posted her first clip, and the response was immense.”

The response has indeed been overwhelming. Renad has amassed over half a million followers on Instagram, becoming an instant sensation and an inspiration.

Israel’s attacks on Gaza have had devastating effects, resulting in the deaths of over 14,000 children and injuries to tens of thousands more. Amidst this grim reality, Renad’s cooking videos provide a means of escape and a source of happiness for many. “I am trying to escape the agony of war, bring joy to myself, to make myself and others happy, and to alleviate grief and sadness,” she says.