This is what growing up in Gaza looks like right now. Meet Qamar. Qamar was only 2 when she and her family were displaced from their home in Khan Younes. Growing up in a tent and surrounded by shelling took a heavy toll: she was withdrawn and fearful, refused to speak, would not play with other children or make friends, and was often angry and aggressive with her mother and siblings. In need of help, Shatha, Qamar’s mother, enrolled her in Amal al-Ghad (Hope for Tomorrow), an early childhood development initiative the IRC delivers with its local partner, the Teacher Creativity Center (TCC). At the center, she and other children facing displacement were able to play and learn together, and her mom started seeing the difference right away. "From the moment Qamar joined the children's sessions, she began to change as she started to interact with other children and the teacher," Shatha said. "She tells me her life has become full of love, and she uses kind words. I am very happy with the change." We’re proud to support Qamar, Shatha and countless families like them across Gaza. To learn more about our work there and beyond, visit Rescue.org.
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My heart aches for the children in Gaza. Still makes me want to cry now, and often interrupts my sleep. Thank you, IRC, for continuing to support the voiceless in some of the worst human disasters of our current age. I'm grateful for all you do, and one day hope to join your org.
Every child deserves hope and a chance to heal.
Stories like Qamar’s show that psychosocial and early learning support are not optional extras in a crisis; they are essential. Every child who finds their voice again and learns to trust others is a step toward a more resilient future for families across Gaza. International Rescue Committee
Qamar's story is a powerful reminder that children need more than survival—they need safety, love, play, and the opportunity to heal. Humanitarian response must protect not only children's physical lives but also their emotional wellbeing. When we invest in early childhood support, we help restore hope, resilience, and the possibility of a brighter future. Every child deserves to grow up with dignity, not fear. Thank you to everyone working to make that possible. Dr. Mahdi Yaghoobi | Founder, Bridge of Hearts Bringing hope to real people, across borders. #BridgeOfHearts