"I Am Waad, and I Dream of Life"

"I Am Waad, and I Dream of Life"

My name is Waad, I am a 15-year-old Palestinian girl living in Khan Younis Camp, in the south of the Gaza Strip. I am displaced by genocide and carry the full responsibility of caring for my family. My father has been unemployed for years, and I am the one who takes care of my younger siblings.

I once dreamed of continuing my education and becoming a doctor. But two years ago, I had to leave school because of the harsh conditions we are living in. Life in Gaza has become unbearable. We live not only under siege, but under constant bombing, poverty, and the denial of the most basic human rights.

Electricity and clean water are scarce. Food is limited. Healthcare is collapsing. Education has become a distant dream for many children like me. Families have lost their homes. Fathers have lost their children. Mothers wait helplessly for medicine that never comes. There are no jobs, no safety, and no clear future. Every day feels like an emergency.

Yet despite everything, I still have hope. I believe there are people who hear us, who feel our pain, and who want to help—even with the smallest things. Every bit of support makes a real difference: a meal, clean water, clothing, medicine, or even a chance to return to school. These are the things we dream about every single day.

Please, do not forget us.

We need your humanity. We need your solidarity. We need your help to survive.

In my name, and on behalf of all the children of Gaza—

I am Waad, and I dream of life.