A Father’s Promise: Letters of Love and Resilience from Around the World

Gaza: A Father’s Hope Amidst Devastation

Hey Yusef,

These past months have been beyond tough. We used to be a family of four, dreaming big over dinner. Now, it’s just us, hoping to see another day.

Remember that beach picnic? Ismail racing to the sea, your mom chasing, laughter in the air? I held you close, thinking I had it all.

Then, in a flash, everything changed. A missile hit while we were out for bread. Our home—gone.

You’re too young for this, Yusef. Nights, you ask for mom’s lullabies. I make up silly tunes, you giggle.

I’ve always been the funny guy, but you need a dad, not a clown. I wonder how long ’til you forget her songs.

You deserve better, Yusef. Every night, I pray you’re safe till morning.

You’re used to explosions now, even sleep through some. But your body next to mine still flinches.

We scavenge for food among the ruins daily. This isn’t a place for kids.

In all this death, you’re my flicker of light, beating fear.

If I go before you, know you were loved. I dream we’ll pick olives, watch sunsets again.

Your existence is our resistance, our hope. We’ll survive this. We’ll rise.

I’ll teach you football, swimming. Your mom’s recipes, her songs—I’ll learn them all.

We’ll gather the pieces, make us whole again. That’s my promise.

Your dad,

Mohammed Hashem