Life can change in an instant for anyone, but even more so for those living in a war-torn country. This is the fate of a young girl named Baraa, who lives in Palestine.
Despite the ongoing struggles in her region, Baraa was like any other little girl – she loved wearing sparkly tiaras, playing with her friends, and living a normal life. But it all changed in October 2019, when a series of airstrikes in Gaza hit her home. Baraa was severely injured in the attack, leaving her in the hospital with multiple wounds. Despite her dire situation, she still kept her sparkly tiara on – a reminder of the life she once had.
Baraa’s story is sadly not an isolated incident. In 2019 alone, around 340 Palestinian children were killed in Israeli and Palestinian crossfire. An estimated 17,000 children were injured in the same year and according to UNICEF, an estimated 80 percent of children in the Gaza Strip suffer fromlong-term psychological distress.
Baraa’s story brings light to such a horrific situation. Her resilience, even in the worst of times, is a sign of hope for a better future. Amidst her wounds, Bandages replaced her sparkly tiara, yet she is a symbol of strength – a reminder of the strength and hope she, and many other Palestinian children, possess in the face of adversity. Even in her hospital bed, surrounded by bandages, there is no denying that she is resilient and strong. With a little support and courage, she, and many others, may finally be safe.
