As the war in Gaza rages on, many women have found themselves faced with a painful choice — to flee for safety or hold on to the few belongings that give their lives meaning. Despite constant bombings and the destruction of their homes, some women have refused to abandon cherished items like family photos, books, or jewelry passed down from their mothers.
For these women, such possessions are not just material objects but symbols of memory, identity, and love - reminders of who they are and the people they’ve lost. Some have even risked returning to bombed-out areas to retrieve these items, saying that leaving them behind feels like losing a part of themselves.
Their courage reflects the resilience of Gaza’s women, who continue to protect the stories, culture, and emotions tied to their lives. Even in the midst of war and displacement, these small acts of holding on remind the world that humanity and hope still endure.