[Anonymous, Buffalo NY, U.S.A., October 2023]

I am someone who has experienced the deep impact of the war in Palestine on a personal level. My husband is Palestinian, and we have been deeply connected to the land and its people.

Over the years, my husband has made visits to his family’s homeland, each one leaving an indelible mark on our family.

His last trip to Palestine was particularly memorable, as he took our oldest son with him. However, the experiences my son witnessed were far from adventures our children are used to. It was filled with family, culture, history, amazing food, and lessons.

He was exposed to the harsh realities of the occupation against the Palestinian people. These experiences, while difficult, have helped him develop a profound understanding of the situation and have empowered him to form his own opinions. Which is something we can never teach him from our own words or read to him from a book.

As a family, we stand firmly with Palestine in its quest for justice and a lasting peace. We have witnessed firsthand the pain and suffering endured by the Palestinian people, and it has strengthened our resolve to support their cause. We pray for the day when peace will reign in Palestine, and all its people can live without fear and uncertainty. We long for a future where the children of this land can grow up in an environment free from the shadows of conflict and occupation.

It is my hope that through understanding, empathy, and dialogue, we can work towards a resolution that brings an end to the suffering on both sides and paves the way for a peaceful coexistence.