Resilience in Adversity: Children from Gaza Find Refuge in Italy

Sixteen young evacuees from Gaza, many of whom have sustained life-altering injuries, navigate their new surroundings in Italy while grappling with trauma, language barriers, and the longing for family left behind amidst the ongoing conflict.

In an Italian summer camp, young kids peppered 6-year-old Shaymaa Shady with curious questions about the difficult journey that led to her losing a leg. “Ha fatto la guerra,” one child remarked, translating to “She went to war.” Shaymaa, along with 15 other children, was evacuated from Gaza months earlier, desperate for critical medical care. In her new environment, she is joined by Sarah Yusuf, who, after suffering a broken pelvis in an Israeli strike, can now play without the hindrance of limping, and Ahmad al-Saafen, 4, who is learning to walk on a new leg after losing his previous one in heavy bombardments.

Baian Azoum, pulled from the rubble of her home in Gaza, faces a long road of nearly two years of treatment while adjusting to life in an unfamiliar place at such a tender age. For these children and their caretakers, the struggles extend beyond physical injuries; they must also navigate a new culture and language while grappling with the uncertainty of their futures and the wellbeing of loved ones left behind.

The group of evacuees, all under 15 years old except for one, arrived in Italy following delicate negotiations among various governments and aid organizations. Accompanied typically by a caretaker, many of these children endured life-changing injuries, including amputations, while others carry lasting scars from the violence. Most have lost family members, and many bear the emotional weight of their traumatic experiences, which continue to haunt their daily lives.

Lina Gamal, Shaymaa's aunt and caretaker, shared her feelings of isolation amid the beauty of Italy, stating, “Italy is beautiful, but I need support.” She expressed the emotional toll of leaving behind family members, voicing a common sentiment among the group: although they consider themselves lucky to escape the violence, the emotional and logistical challenges of their new lives loom large.

In the aftermath of the tragic escalation of conflict following Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, and Israel's retaliatory measures, the death toll in Gaza has surged, with more than 40,000 Palestinians reported dead, leaving tens of thousands with permanent disabilities. Beyond the physical recovery, these young evacuees are now confronted with the challenges of integration into school environments and community spaces, filled with peers who often do not speak their language or comprehend the harrowing realities they fled from.

As these children embark on their rehabilitation journeys, the community around them grows increasingly aware of the invisible battles they face, both emotional and psychological. While their physical scars may heal over time, the memories of war and loss remain entrenched, a stark reminder of the resilience they must summon as they hope for a brighter future.