Salma and Mariam are two little girls from Gaza. I met them by chance on the train as I was heading home from a trip to Paris. Their mother happened to be attending a conference in the Netherlands and was supposed to return on October 10, (2023), but then everything happened. She ended up staying in the Netherlands, while her husband and their four children remained in Deir al-Balah in Gaza. It wasn’t until four months ago that she was finally able to reunite with them.
During the whole trip, I was talking with the girls. One was sitting on her mom’s lap, and the other on mine. Two adorable girls, completely different from each other. The older is Salma, was lively. She spoke fluently about herself and the things she loved. The younger is Mariam was articulate. She used the word “infinite” in conversation. She knew exactly what it meant. She wanted to become a lawyer to defend our rights.
Salma’s dream, which she and I said at the same moment is to become an artist. She adores singing, dancing, music, and ballet. She told me all about her passion for music and how she wants to learn to play the violin.
As the train approached my city, Mariam told her mother: “Take her number so we can see her when we come to the Netherlands.” Her mother did upon her order.
Why do you think I am sharing this story? It is because this is Gaza; its face, its dreams, and its love for life. These two sisters, who have not yet turned ten years old, have already decided their future so clearly. They can express themselves and say what they want freely without adult interference or imposition. They lived a genocide for more than a year and a half, yet they are still full of life, love, and hope.
They are hope itself.
Thank you, Salma
Thank you, Mariam
And thank you to your parents, who raised you so beautifully
Fatena Al Ghorra
27/10/2025
(Translated by Palestinian Stories)
