I first met Wafa Aludaini during my first year at university in 2011, when I attended courses and workshops at the Al-Thuraya Foundation organized by the 16th October Media Group, founded by Wafa herself. The organization was located in Ni’mah Tower on Al-Kinz Street in Gaza City. The group aimed to present the Palestinian cause to Western audiences in a scientific and objective manner, countering the stereotypical portrayals that often dominate Western media.

Over the past 12 years, I witnessed Wafa’s tireless dedication to providing courses and workshops that would have otherwise been prohibitively expensive for students. She attracted specialists and university professors to conduct free conferences, reflecting her commitment to raising awareness about using the English language as a tool for advocacy.

Wafa had a profound sense of faith and carried a noble mission. She always prioritized the collective good over personal gain, despite the many opportunities available to her. Her generosity extended to ensuring that no one was left behind, and she exemplified leadership by empowering others.

I remember eagerly rushing through my lectures at the Islamic University, where I studied English literature, to attend the programs she organized, eager to learn from the experts she brought in. I participated in several courses, including advanced media translation, academic writing, and spokesperson training, which was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. We also had weekly book discussions, reading and analyzing texts such as those on the suffering of Palestinian prisoners and how to respond to media bias.

Wafa and I often found ourselves among the last to leave her classes, walking to the parking lot at Al-Shifa Hospital while discussing the topics from our meetings. Wafa made sure each conversation touched on a different subject, using these opportunities to help us practice our language skills. Afterwards, she would head to Deir Al-Balah, and I to Al-Nuseirat camp. Sometimes, we even shared rides home.

Once, I asked her about teaching in schools, and her response was resolute: “I don’t want to work in a place where they silence the truth.” Although she briefly worked as a teacher, she became disillusioned with the restrictions on addressing the Palestinian cause, especially after her school’s broadcast on the topic was censored.

Instrumental to the success of many

Wafa embodied the idea that religious commitment and wearing the hijab do not hinder ambition. Often, she was one of the few women among foreign translators, and she inspired those around her through her eloquence and advocacy.

She became well-known in European media, conveying the suffering of the Palestinian people in fluent English. Her articles appeared in numerous newspapers, and she organized hundreds of conferences via Skype, along with photo exhibitions and short film competitions.

After October 7, 2023, when war broke out and displacement was widespread, I found myself unable to continue working in news translation and turned to writing articles instead. Wafa was the first person I consulted. She supported me wholeheartedly, offering advice and multiple email contacts to help me get published, even sharing the platforms where she published her work.

Wafa was instrumental to the success of many. I can confidently say that she played a pivotal role in the lives of everyone who achieved success through her support. She used to encourage first-year students to take courses that could benefit them and recommended some professors they could contact for advice. She also suggested the names of team members they could work with and communicate with, and she offered help and opportunities to those she finds competent.

On September 30, 2024, Wafa Aludaini, her husband Munir, and their two children were killed when their home in southern Deir Al-Balah was targeted by an Israeli strike.

Tributes from colleagues and friends

Lawrence J. Maushard, a writer and human rights activist based in Peoria, Illinois, who worked closely with Wafa

I would help Wafa with editing, proofreading, and journalism issues, like story topics, article direction, photo use, and publication targets—just the usual things press colleagues do for each other.

It has been one of the honors of my life to work with Wafa Aludaini and her October 16th Group. She was a great journalist in a time and place that ultimately took almost everything from her. But her dedication to the truth of her nation and the dignity of her life could never be taken away. I am so proud to be her friend and colleague.

Rana Alshorbaji, a member of the 16th October Group

She encouraged me so much. One day, we went to sites that had been bombed, and we spoke like journalists reporting on the ground. We used to discuss books, and at the camp’s closing ceremony, I gave a speech. On a day focused on reading, I presented my book on education in Palestine.

Ellen, a culture project manager from Gothenburg, Sweden

I first contacted Wafa when I was part of the Women’s Boat to Gaza campaign in 2016. I collaborated with her through my role as a media representative for campaigns highlighting Gaza and the illegal siege.

Wafa quickly became my contact in Gaza. She was a brilliant journalist and advocate for spreading awareness through the media.

Despite her difficult circumstances, she was always kind, responsive, and helpful, sending updates through text messages and video clips to share the voices of the people of Gaza. Wafa will always stay in my memory as a wonderful, kind, dedicated, and strong woman who defied all obstacles to be a voice for Palestinian women.

Rita Roberta, staff member at the Palestine Museum and Cultural Centre

We (Palestine Museum and Cultural Centre) set up a Skype with Wafa about the situation in Gaza and reporting the true story.

Wafa was very young. She didn’t talk much about her private life, but I remember when she was pregnant with her son Malik. I wanted to send her some money to buy something for the baby, but she refused. I had to convince her. She was one of the most honest people I ever met.

My personal reflection

As I reflect on Wafa’s life and the impact she had on so many, I am filled with a deep sense of loss. Her unwavering commitment to truth and justice inspired everyone around her, and her kindness left an indelible mark on my heart.

It pains me, Wafa, that everyone mourns you, and it saddens me that I haven’t received your latest article. This one is for you. Your legacy will continue to inspire us all. Thank you for everything you did.