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Today, on World Children’s Day, we are thinking of the children caught up in conflict around the world. This Christmas, you can help to restore a fundamental right- the right to play- for children in Gaza.
Faeqa takes her bike out for spin in Northern Gaza, November 2024. Photo: George Jaraiseh/Trócaire.
‘My name is Faeqa, I’m 12 years old, I have 9 days left until I turn 13. This will be the second time I celebrate my birthday during the war. And next year I hope to celebrate it somewhere else’
The children of Gaza have seen things that no child should ever see. In the past 14 months, they have seen their lives torn apart, their country destroyed, and so much of their childhood taken from them.
Words are no longer adequate to describe the suffering of the people of Palestine. But we must not give up hope – they haven’t.
This year, Trócaire has teamed up with our partners on the ground in Gaza to deliver a unique Christmas gift for those caught up in conflict.
The Gift of Play & Healing (€40/£35) is a special kit, created by therapists, that is aimed to help children process the trauma of war. Through the power of play, including storybooks, photo puzzles, art and more, you’ll give children who are hurting a way to open up, find calm and build resilience in the storm.
Play therapy for young children with psychologist, Ms. Afnan Al Nkhala in Gaza, July 2024. Photo: The Gaza Community Mental Health Programme.
‘I used to play basketball but I don’t play much now…because of the situation. The first thing I’ll do after the war, as soon as I hear the words ‘the war is over’ I’ll be so happy then. We will return to our home and rebuild it again.’ – Faeqa
For so many children in Gaza, every day is an agonising wait for things to return to normal. Like every child, they just want to play and be with their friends. We don’t have the power to stop the bombing, but with a Gift of Play and Healing, we can help children to regain a sense of normality, of hope and the unique childhood wonder of play.
With 24 gifts to choose from, ranging from £5 / €5 to £1,400 / €1,400, each Trócaire gift will support critical programmes across the world where Trócaire works.
The gifts can be purchased online at www.trocaire.org/gifts or by calling 1800 408 408 (0800 912 1200 in NI).
