A Letter to the World from Gaza

My name is Marwa, a 42-year-old mother of six creative and beautiful children. We live in Gaza, a place where the word “home” has become fragile, and where peace feels like a distant dream — but one I still hold on to.

For years, I have worked with children to promote peace and coexistence. I helped organize an art exhibition that brought together drawings by children from Gaza, the West Bank, Jerusalem, and even the Netherlands. These children — through their crayons and colors — expressed dreams of unity, love, and a world without fear.

But war has exhausted us. Our house was bombed. My family and I were injured. We have lost so much — yet, I refuse to lose hope.

I speak now not only as a mother, but as a human being. I speak for my children and for all children who deserve to wake up to the sound of laughter, not explosions.

To the world: please do not look away. We need your voice. We need your action. We need an end to this war.

Let children live, let families breathe, let us build a future where peace is stronger than hate.

We are still here. We are still alive. And we still believe in peace.

Thank you.