Hanya Aljamal finds herself in a fragile world, living with her parents and five siblings in a small apartment in Deir al-Balah, Gaza. Just two years ago, she was set on a bright path as an English teacher, hoping to further her studies in the US. Now, her dreams seem distant as the ongoing conflict has robbed her of stability and purpose.
Every day begins with a quiet moment on the balcony, watching her elderly neighbor nurture his garden, representing resilience amidst the chaos. “It looks like the purest form of resistance,” she reflects, momentarily escaping the destruction around her.
Since the war erupted in October 2023, Hanya has endured the loss of her school, turning her passion for teaching into a memory. “My sense of who I was is slipping away,” she admits, facing overwhelming challenges. With 90% of Gazans displaced and living in makeshift homes, her family's situation is emblematic of widespread struggle.
An explosion jolts her awake nightly, a stark reminder of the harsh reality she's caught in. Hanya's life, along with many around her, has transformed into a daily battle, where the sounds of war dominate the skies, drowning out the whispers of hope.
Working with Action for Humanity, she supports young girls through group therapy, where conversations reveal unimaginable loss—a heartbreaking testament of life in Gaza. To Hanya, colorful kites soaring above are symbols of hope, even as they contrast with the oppressive presence of drones and jets.
As Eid al-Adha approaches, Hanya's family faces another grim reality—they can't afford to celebrate their traditions, a painful reminder of how far removed they are from their former lives. Tragedy strikes again when she learns of a cousin killed while seeking aid.
Grieving has become a luxury; Hanya feels compelled to reserve her emotions for her close family’s safety, making each loss feel unbearable yet distant. “Grieving is something many of us can’t afford,” she shares.
Through her balcony's sunrise, Hanya seeks beauty in a world draped in gray. “The sky gives colors and a respite of beauty that Earth lacks,” she says. Her story embodies the resilience and spirit of those still holding onto hope despite overwhelming loss.
