A website called "We Are Not Numbers" shares the stories of people from Gaza, so that they are not forgotten. The New York Times recently wrote an article about it.
What is "We Are Not Numbers"?
"We Are Not Numbers" is a website that was started in 2015 by the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Observatory. Its goal is to train young writers from Gaza who have experienced difficult situations, and help them share their stories with the world. They learn how to write articles, use social media, and connect with people from different countries.
A Story of Hope
One of the administrators of the website, Ahmed Al-Naouq, has a personal connection to the cause. His older brother was killed in an air strike by the Israeli army in 2014. This tragedy left Ahmed feeling very sad and depressed. But then, his American girlfriend encouraged him to write about his brother and turn his sadness into something positive. That's when he got involved with "We Are Not Numbers."
Why Stories Matter
According to the New York Times, numbers alone don't make people feel connected or sympathetic. But when we hear personal stories, it's easier for us to understand and care. Ahmed Al-Naouq said that being part of this project changed his life because he realized that there are people out there who care about the people of Gaza.
A Platform for Expression
"We Are Not Numbers" has given young people in Gaza a way to express themselves and share their experiences. Since it started, over 350 people have participated in the project, writing about their emotions and important humanitarian topics.
Sharing Palestinian Perspectives
It has always been challenging for Palestinians to share their point of view on the conflict, especially in places like the United States. Unlike the Israelis, who have an embassy in Washington and various organizations to communicate with the American public, Palestinians have faced difficulties in public relations.
Filling the Gap
But now, thanks to social media, ordinary Palestinians can share their stories directly with the world. People whose family members were killed by the Israeli army are using platforms like "We Are Not Numbers" to raise awareness and share their experiences.
Building Bridges
Some people have criticized "We Are Not Numbers" as being anti-Israel, but that's not entirely true. In fact, some Israeli citizens have started translating the articles from the website into Hebrew and sharing them on Facebook. Ahmed Al-Naouq himself has even started a new project called "Across the Wall," where he collaborates with an Israeli journalist to produce stories from Gaza for an Israeli audience.
Remembering the Fallen
As the Israeli bombings in Gaza continue, "We Are Not Numbers" has become a platform for writers to express their fears and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives.
They remember writers like Hoda Al-Sousi and Youssef Maher Dawwas, who were killed while sharing their stories. It's a way to honor their memory and keep their voices alive.
"We Are Not Numbers" is an incredible website that gives a voice to the people of Gaza. It allows them to share their stories, connect with others, and raise awareness about their experiences. It's a powerful platform that reminds us that behind the numbers, there are real people with real stories.
Source: New York Times
