News from Gaza has moved to the background, if reported at all, amid troubling developments in the region. Those who are most vulnerable are again suffering the most, likely for some time to come, as two unhinged political leaders try to establish hegemony over the region and the wider world and its resources. We pray that the destruction that world audiences of nightly news and witnesses of social media posts have ignored, allowed to happen – or were unable to stop – in Gaza, will be prevented in Lebanon. We hope that children in all areas that have recently seen the normalization of war crimes may return to their homes and live a childhood that enables them to experience the peace and freedom that every child deserves. Millions of people in Gaza (and the region) and tens of thousands in the West Bank remain displaced or have been newly displaced, losing their homes, a basic sense of security, and access to education, even basic healthcare. What these young human beings are experiencing, no person, and certainly no child should have to endure! They need us adults to help prevent such atrocities. Our admiration and gratitude goes to those who have cared for and continue to tend to the health and mental well-being of Gaza’s children, and all children impacted by trauma and war.
The inspiration for this issue has been Palestinian Children’s Day, observed annually on April 5, which was established by the late President Yasser Arafat to highlight the rights, struggles, and resilience of children living under occupation. It is a day of solidarity, often marked by advocacy for protection, education, and safety amid ongoing humanitarian crises, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank. It gives a glimpse into what Palestinian children, particularly those living in Gaza, have experienced, showing how they have dealt with the immense trauma and loss and how institutions and individuals have supported them and helped them to navigate through the turmoil.
This Week in Palestine thanks all those who have used these pages to advertise their services and help support us, securing our sustainability. We also thank the authors of this issue, including Palestine Children’s Relief Fund; Jason A. Terry, the vice president of programs at UNRWA USA; Tamer Institute for Community Education; Majdi Hadid, a graphic designer who serves on Al Kamandjati Association’s board of directors; Iman Hammouri, the director of the Popular Art Centre; Konrad Suder Chatterjee, who serves as communications manager and resource developer for ASHTAR Theatre in Ramallah; Amahl Bishara, a professor of anthropology at Tufts University; Julie Abdallah, the communications coordinator at the Palestinian Circus; PACES Sports for Development Program; Sarah Zahran, a cultural researcher and education program officer at the Palestinian Museum; Gabriel Kattan Abusleme, a political scientist and Palestinian expat who lives in Chile; Deema Ershaid, the executive director of Ramallah’s Visual Arts Forum; Muntaser Ayoub Said Edkaidek, the executive manager of Burj Al-Luqluq Social Center Society in Jerusalem; Alice Abdo, a Palestinian development professional; and Ahmed Masoud, an award-winning Palestinian author living in the UK. Our Book of the Month is No Warmth in the Tent, and our Artist of the Month is Raniah Amodi.
The entire team at TWiP thanks you for your continued interest and engagement with Palestinian concerns. We wish peace for everyone.
Warmly,
Tina Basem
