When Play Becomes a Path to Healing
Children in Gaza Share How HATD-Supported Programs Are Restoring Hope and Stability
At Healing Across the Divides (HATD), we are proud to support initiatives that bring hope and resilience to communities facing unimaginable challenges. One of our grantees, Palestine Sport for Life, is making a profound impact by providing children in Gaza with opportunities to learn, play, and heal through educational and recreational activities. In the stories below, you’ll hear directly from children whose lives have been shaped by displacement and hardship as a result of Israel’s assault on Gaza. Their voices remind us that play and learning are not privileges—they are fundamental rights that every child deserves.
My name is Adam, I am eight years old, and I was displaced from Al-Mawasi in Khan Younis to Al-Taybeh Towers, a change that continues to affect my daily life. Despite the ceasefire, access to aid has not improved, and obtaining food and water remains very difficult. My day starts early in the morning; the first thing I do after waking up is wash my face, then I wait for the water truck to arrive so I can collect water for my family. After that, I go to the tent where we take part in educational and recreational activities. These activities are very enjoyable and give me a sense of happiness and safety, helping me forget fear and exhaustion, even if only for a while. I want people outside Gaza to understand that learning and playing are not luxuries for me—they are my basic rights as a child.
My name is Jannah, I am eleven years old. My family was displaced from Al-Mawasi in Khan Younis, and we are now living in Al-Taybeh Towers. Displacement has been very difficult, and very little aid has reached us. When we get sick, there is no easy way to receive treatment, and accessing medication has been extremely challenging. My day begins when I wake up and wash my face, then I wait for the water to arrive, and afterward I go to school or to the tent where we participate in activities. My favorite game is musical chairs, as it makes me laugh, move, and forget the exhaustion. These activities have changed me; they have made me calmer and more at ease, and I feel happier and emotionally lighter. I want the world to know that we have the right to play, the right to learn, and the right to return to our homes.
My name is Malak. I was displaced from Al-Mawasi in Khan Younis, and we are currently living in a tent in Al-Taybeh Towers. Before the ceasefire, access to aid was very difficult, but afterward, aid began to arrive more easily and in greater amounts. When I get sick or feel unwell, I go to the clinic if medicine is available, I take it, and if not, I return without treatment. My day starts in the morning when I wash my face, then wait for the water to arrive so I can collect what we need. After that, I go to school or to the tent where we take part in recreational activities. My favorite games are Taq Taq Taqiya and Al-Qumoo‘. These activities have changed me a lot; I used to be very aggressive and get into many arguments with my siblings and at home, but now I am calmer, I like to participate, play peacefully with my brothers and sisters, and help my family. I want to say thank you, because these activities have made me feel much better.
I am a seven-year-old girl from Jabalia, and we are currently living in Deir Al-Balah. Displacement has been difficult, and aid does not always reach us easily, and even when it does, it can be hard for us to access it. Despite this, the activities I participate in are very enjoyable and comforting; they help relieve my stress and lift my spirits. I feel happy when I see my friends and play with them. I love playing because it helps me forget the days of war and gives me the strength to keep going and learn new things. I want to tell people outside Gaza: please continue to support us, stay with us, and keep these activities available, because we truly need them and they help us so much.
To learn more about how Healing Across the Divides is supporting children and families in Gaza through trusted local partners, we invite you to visit our website. There, you can explore HATD-funded programs, hear more stories from the communities we serve, and understand how education and play are helping children heal and rebuild. Your engagement helps sustain these vital efforts.
