On World Humanitarian Day, we honour the work of humanitarians such as Reem Alreqeb, the Interim Programme Director of SOS Children’s Villages in the Gaza Strip. In this interview, Reem, who joined SOS Children’s Villages in 2022, talks about what keeps her motivated amid the war and the challenges of providing humanitarian support to children and their caregivers in Gaza.
What inspired you to become a humanitarian?
We in Palestine, especially in Gaza, have endured several wars, so Gazans are always in need of humanitarian interventions. You constantly feel that you have to provide help to people in need as a human being. I grew up with a father who used his time after work to volunteer with a community-based organisation that supported vulnerable families. I think that in Gaza, you don’t choose to be a humanitarian worker; you have to, as the crises we face are not easy to overcome.
Can you describe your typical day at work?
Before the war, I used to wake up excited for work. I would start a normal day, meet people who needed help, refer them to where they could receive it, prepare reports, and update plans. Nowadays, I wake up far too early due to the heat in the tent where we live, then head to the office located within the caravan camp to begin my tasks. These include confronting endless obstacles and needs that we must work hard to address, despite the circumstances. I follow the war news and security updates, check on our camps in Khan Younis and Deir Al Balah, and send emails when the internet connection is stable.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your role?
Providing everything the children need during the critical situation Gaza is in. I often worry about what would happen if we had to relocate again: Where would we go? What would we do?
Can you share a memorable moment or story from your humanitarian work?
I’m sorry for not sharing a happy one, but the most memorable moment I’ve had since 7 October was when we decided to leave the SOS Children’s Village in Rafah due to security risks. I had to make the decision, and it was a very difficult one. I remember the children’s requests while we were packing to move to the camp. One asked me to bring his bicycle, another wanted the toy he couldn’t sleep without. We tried to bring everything they asked for, but it wasn’t easy; we were working under fire. I will not forget leaving the village with the rest of the staff. Warplanes were striking, we were frightened, and the car broke down. We waited in terror for it to work again.
What keeps you motivated and hopeful, despite the challenges you encounter in your work in Gaza?
I understand that we provide services to many people in need, especially unaccompanied and separated children, and we reunite them with their families. When we succeed in reuniting a child with their relatives, or when we provide assistance to a vulnerable family, this keeps us motivated and recharges our energy.
In your opinion, what more can be done globally to support humanitarian efforts in Gaza?
I always feel that people outside of Gaza still don’t fully understand the situation we are in. We need more campaigns to show people what is happening with their own eyes. The war must end, and addressing the humanitarian needs of the people in Gaza must start soon.