Ayman* (18) and Adel* (14) live in the tented encampments of SOS Children’s Villages in Gaza. They’re among the many children in Gaza facing immense challenges because of the ongoing war.
We are not alive in Gaza: Ayman’s story
Ayman*, just 18 years old, lost his family when they were killed and burned. The rest of the family now lives in fear.
Ayman says: “In the past, although life was difficult and we lived under siege, life was better. We used to go to school, learn, and play with our siblings and friends. We lived life without fear or bombardment, and we felt happy and comfortable. And we were with our family and visited relatives regularly.
Now, I’ve lost everything: family, friends, memories and smiles. Only sadness and pain remain – there’s no good memories left for us.
My parents and brothers were martyred and the friends I was playing with were also martyred.
Life has no more taste. We are not alive.
Ayman’s caregiver, Jahid*, says: “He recently arrived at our camp. After losing his family, he turned into another persons. Now he suffers silently from sadness.
“He doesn’t know the meaning of calm or sleep. He always cries in his sleep and wakes up in panic, wondering about his family.”
At SOS Children’s Villages, I sleep in peace: Adel’s story
“My name is Adel*, and I am 14 years old. I used to live in Gaza with my father, and two younger brothers. My parents are divorced.
“Every day, I had to wake up early to wait in a long queue to fill up water before it ran out. This made me very tired, so I often slept afterward, despite the heat from constant bombing and the lack of electricity.
“I no longer go to school. When I still lived with my family, and our father allowed us to go outside, I would play with my brothers and neighbours in the destroyed area, even though it was dangerous.
“At night, my brothers and I were very scared, so we hugged each other to feel safe.
“Now I’m at the SOS Children’s Villages camp, and things are different. I get up early, have breakfast, play with friends, and later return to the caravans for dinner, then I sleep in peace.”
Adel’s caregiver, Fatima*, said, “Adel is a brave and intelligent child. The conflict, instability, and fear deeply affected him. he bombings separated him from his family. What he went through is so tough. The separation from his family, lack of electricity and water, and threats of violence affected him deeply.
“He couldn’t feel safe in his own home.
“What Adel doesn’t say, is that he misses his family very much.
“It’s heartbreaking that many children in Gaza face separation and other kinds of harm due to the ongoing war.”
*Names changes to protect the privacy of those involved
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