Amani's Light

Date: Friday, 24 May 2024

In the heart of Gaza, where the sun feels dimmed by the weight of war, lived Amani. Not just another resident enduring the 16-year blockade on Gaza, she was a beacon of resilience and hope amid adversity.

Amani's friend, Hayam, spoke of her with amazement, describing her as a woman with a light spirit and the most captivating smile. Despite the trials she faced, Amani carried herself with grace and determination.

Her journey began with a childhood marked by hardship. At the tender age of sixteen, she was thrust into marriage, missing her carefree teenage years. But Amani refused to let her circumstances define her. She pursued her education fervently, earning her high school diploma against all odds.

Amani Al-Derbi providing psychosocial support

Undeterred by the challenges of early motherhood, Amani pursued a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Even while pregnant, she excelled academically, earning the admiration of her professors for her intelligence and dedication. Her thirst for knowledge was unquenchable, her spirit indomitable. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, Amani found purpose in her work at the Association for Women and Child Protection (AISHA). Her passion for helping others only grew stronger with time. Despite the demands of her job, she pursued further education, earning a master’s degree with a seminar that left a lasting impression on her peers.

Her talents did not go unnoticed. Amani was selected for a governmental position, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. At the psychosocial clinic where she worked, she touched countless lives with her compassion and strength.

But Amani's ambitions did not end there, she confided in her friend Hayam, sharing her desire to pursue a Ph.D. alongside her dear friend Lamia. They dreamed of a brighter future for themselves and their community. They also embarked on a journey of self-improvement, honing their English skills in preparation for the next chapter of her academic career. Tragically, the relentless war that plagued Gaza claimed Lamia’s life, shattering Amani’s dreams and leaving her heartbroken. Yet, she remained undeterred, determined to carry on Lamia’s legacy and fulfil their shared aspirations.

But fate had other plans. As the Israeli airstrikes and bombardments raged on in Rafah, the last refuge for many, Amani's life was cut short, along with the lives of her four beloved children. The dreams she nurtured, the hopes she held dear, all crushed in the chaos of conflict.

Yet, even in death, Amani's light continues to shine bright, illuminating the path for others to follow. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. And though her time on earth was tragically brief, her impact would be felt for generations to come, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of war-torn Gaza.