In a makeshift tent in Nuseirat, Samah lives alone with her three-year-old son, a child wounded in one of the airstrikes. A visible injury to his abdomen requires ongoing care, but there is little to work with. Each day, she searches for baby formula, diapers, and anything that might feed her son.
Before the war, Samah was a dedicated volunteer with local NGOs, leading storytelling sessions and play activities for children. She was the one who lifted others up. Now, she says quietly:
“I used to help children heal. Now, I’m just trying to keep my own child alive.”
Her son barely responds to the sounds of bombing anymore. He clings to her, turning away from strangers. She tells us he used to love everything, especially bananas. But now, he only eats if she sits beside him, gently encouraging each bite.
Samah has no remaining family in Gaza. And yet, despite her exhaustion, she still gives. During a small Eid celebration organized by Dignity for Palestinians, Samah volunteered to help, guiding children in singing and bringing smiles to their faces before handing out traditional Eid cookies.
🫓 D4P & Mountain of Mercy teams implementing an Eid Cookies initiative for children in Nuseirat.
📸 Children posing for a picture with D4P & Mountain of Mercy teams after the end of the play day.
She still lives in the same tent. But now, she messages our team regularly with updates about her son. In one voice note, she said:
“I don’t have the words to thank you. But I hope you can see what your support has done. It gave me hope.”
We gave her a food parcel and a pack of bread loaves—a small token of appreciation for her efforts.
At Dignity for Palestinians, we see mothers like Samah as the backbone of our community. This is why we prioritize them in every response—not out of charity, but because of their strength, and what they represent.
Dignity for Palestinians Campaign 
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