Protect Our Children
When I was young, I have fond memories of my mother driving for hours until my brother and I fell asleep, creating a sense of safety and comfort in her embrace. In times of tears, her hug was a balm that soothed my soul. My dad's simple gesture of giving me money for ice cream on hot summer days felt like a small act of love that made a big difference in my childhood.
Whenever I felt unnoticed or adrift, my grandparents' house provided solace. It was a place where there were donuts at my disposal and an abundance of love. I was fortunate to be surrounded by love, and I've always carried that feeling with me.
As I grew up, I realized that my upbringing was sheltered and naive. I didn't learn swear words until I was well into my pre-teen years. The concept of sex was beyond my comprehension, and I once thought that pregnancy simply happened overnight. To this day, in my 20 years of life, I have never watched a horror movie because I feared it might fill my mind with irrational fears. Instead, my dreams were of a world filled with flowers, a place so joyful and pure that it allowed me to escape from the challenges of reality.
However, I am acutely aware that not everyone has had the privilege of such a childhood. This is especially true for our brothers and sisters in the Middle East, whose lives have been marred by conflict, particularly during the Israel-Hamas War. The Israel-Hamas conflict has been a protracted and devastating crisis, with numerous casualties on both sides. To date, the conflict has resulted in the loss of over 10,000 lives, with a significant number of them being women and children.
The daily lives of those living in Gaza and other conflict-affected areas are defined by struggle and uncertainty. They wake up in the midst of nightmares, their reality shaped by the ever-present threat of violence. Children in Gaza have grown up in an environment where violence is a constant presence, making it difficult for them to comprehend the innocence and security that I took for granted.
The situation in the region is nothing short of a humanitarian crisis. Families are torn apart, and opportunities for education and personal growth are severely limited. The things we often take for granted—peace, safety, and the opportunity for a carefree childhood—are the very things our brothers and sisters in the Middle East can only dream of. Their reality is unfortunate, horrific, and not okay.
In response to this, I've chosen to leverage my privilege to make a difference. I've created a sweatshirt where 10% of our proceeds will be donated to organizations like ActionAid and UNICEF, who are actively working to provide much-needed aid in Gaza and the broader Middle East. It's heartbreaking to note that over 10,000 lives have been lost, with a significant number of them being women and children. Let's join hands and make a positive impact, for our collective strength can help ease their suffering. Together, we can turn the tide of adversity into a beacon of hope.