The memories of the war in Gaza continue to linger in my mind long after leaving the city almost a year ago. The sounds of missiles, explosions, and drones, the cries of martyrdom, and the devastation of collapsing buildings and fires still haunt me.
In Cairo, where I sought refuge, I find myself constantly reliving the trauma of those first four months of the war. The fear triggered by the sound of airplanes overhead and fireworks in the distance only serve as reminders of the ongoing anguish.
Exile was meant to bring safety and peace, but instead, it feels like an extension of the war itself. The suffering and struggles of survival that we thought we had escaped still follow us, overshadowing our attempts to rebuild our lives.
The pain and despair felt by my fellow Palestinian friends in Cairo mirror my own experiences. Each of us carries the weight of loss and displacement, living in a state of perpetual sorrow.
One friend, Duaa, who was sent to Cairo for her studies, mourns the loss of her family back in Gaza. Another friend, Rawan, lost her entire family in a single explosion, leaving her shattered and aimless. Nada and her sister, living in Cairo without their parents and brother, feel lost and vulnerable.
Despite the ceasefire in Gaza, the suffering continues. Over 120 lives have been lost since the announcement, and the future remains uncertain. The hope for lasting peace is overshadowed by the reality of ongoing blockade and harassment from the Israeli government.
In the face of these challenges, my family and I have made the decision to begin building a new life in exile. Though the road ahead is daunting, we know that it is the only way to move forward from the ruins of our past.
This article is a reflection of my personal experiences and does not necessarily reflect the views of any other entity.
