As someone of Palestinian descent, watching the ongoing war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been heartbreaking on many levels. Beyond the headlines, it’s the stories of children displaced, living under fear, and often without necessities that weigh heavily on me.
In my role working with youth and families, I see every day how trauma, even when it feels distant, can shape a young person’s sense of safety and belonging. Many of the youth we serve have their own experiences with hardship, loss, or instability. While the circumstances are different, the need for support, compassion, and safe spaces is universal. Our program in Commerce has focused on helping youth explore global events and their feelings about them through art projects, guided discussions, and simply holding space to talk. Many youths, especially those with family ties abroad, carry silent worries. Giving them an outlet to process, ask questions, and feel heard matters deeply.
Reflecting on Gaza has reminded me why our work is so critical: to nurture resilience, hope, and empathy. Even though we can’t change everything happening in the world, we can create spaces where young people feel safe, valued, and empowered to care about others near and far.
