Farah from Gaza - Age 16

I'm Farah from Gaza. Before the war, I loved learning, teaching, and school. Our lives were simple and beautiful. We used to leave the house without fear, living a life of comfort and security. But now everything has changed. We can no longer study, and we're even afraid to leave the house because of the bombing. Getting food, water, and drink has become very difficult, and there are no job opportunities to support ourselves. Everything has become expensive and hard to get.

I can not put in words how life was before as it brings me upset, joy before pain becomes a distant memory

My drawing is not just a drawing but the reality of our struggles. In this drawing I want to show the world who we are and not only what we yearn for in this temporary world but what victory will look like for us. The tent shows you our struggle of displacement. The soil means people of Gaza will rise to harvest their crops, God willing. Bird brings freedom and the rubble means Gaza will be in history to show steadfastness.

I love the number 7, this number is proof of our resilience but also the admission of our martyrs who will enter through the doors of the 7 heavens, may God have mercy on their souls. The doormat is showing you the welcoming of humanity love.