Every morning in a sweltering tent in Gaza, Abeer and Fadi Sobh wake up to a daunting task. They must find enough food to keep their six children alive. It’s a struggle that many families in Gaza face on a daily basis, as they try to survive in the midst of ongoing conflict and a crippling humanitarian crisis.
For Abeer and Fadi, their three options for finding food each day are limited. They can either rely on aid from international organizations, which is often scarce and unpredictable. Or they can try to find work in an economy that has been decimated by years of blockade and conflict. However, the jobs available are few and far between, and wages are barely enough to cover the rising cost of food. The third option is to beg on the streets, a humiliating and desperate measure that they have resorted to in the past.
Despite these challenges, Abeer and Fadi refuse to give up hope. They are determined to do whatever it takes to provide for their children, even if it means sacrificing their own needs. “Our children are our everything,” says Abeer with a determined look in her eyes. “We will do whatever it takes to ensure they have enough to eat.”
The situation in Gaza is dire, with over 1.3 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, according to the United Nations. The blockade, imposed by Israel in 2007, has severely restricted the flow of goods and people, plunging the population into poverty and depriving them of basic necessities like food, clean water, and electricity.
This dire situation is compounded by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has left Gaza’s infrastructure in ruins. This has made it even more difficult for families like the Sobhs to find stable employment and provide for their children.
But despite these challenges, the Sobhs refuse to lose hope. They are constantly looking for ways to make ends meet, even if it means sacrificing their own well-being. “We often go to bed hungry, but as long as our children have something to eat, we are content,” says Fadi, with a bittersweet smile.
Their resilience and determination are not uncommon in Gaza. Despite the overwhelming hardship, families like the Sobhs continue to persevere and find ways to survive. They have become experts at stretching their limited resources and making do with what they have. But this constant struggle takes a toll on their physical and mental well-being.
In addition to the daily struggle for food, Abeer and Fadi also face challenges in ensuring their children receive an education. Schools in Gaza are overcrowded and under-resourced, with many children forced to attend class in temporary structures due to the destruction of buildings during the conflict. The education system has also been disrupted by the frequent closures of schools due to the ongoing violence.
But Abeer and Fadi understand the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and are determined to give their children a chance at a better future. “We want our children to have a better life than us,” says Abeer. “Education is their ticket to a brighter future.”
Despite the hardships they face, Abeer and Fadi’s perseverance and determination have not gone unnoticed. Their children, although living in poverty, are happy, healthy, and full of dreams for the future. They are a reminder that even in the most difficult of circumstances, the human spirit can triumph.
The situation in Gaza may seem hopeless, but Abeer and Fadi’s story is a testament to the resilience and strength of the Palestinian people. It’s a reminder that even in the face of incredible challenges, there is always hope and the possibility for a better tomorrow.
As we go about our daily lives, let us remember families like the Sobhs, who wake up every morning with the simple goal of finding enough food to keep their children alive. Let us not take for granted the blessings we have and continue to support those who are struggling to survive. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to families in Gaza and around the world.