we are not numbers

emerging writers from Palestine tell their stories and advocate for their human rights

COVID took my mother and then war took so many others

Israelis are racing to inoculate everyone against COVID-19--except Palestinians.

Oh, to be a bird and fly above the creeping march of viruses!

I escape into music when the coronavirus knocks at my door.

Winter is coming, driving us all indoors where the virus lurks.

I returned to Gaza from Egypt to a new reality.

COVID has placed my life on pause.

Perhaps COVID helps the world feel a bit of Gaza's pain.

Even in the midst of COVID-19, birthdays must go on.

We Are Not Numbers members write as the pandemic extends into Gaza.

It's hot, the electricity is out and fear hovers.

So many aspects of ordinary life have come to a halt.