Zakat Stories

07 Oct 2026

"Before the summer camp, Mohammed was constantly distressed and ashamed of his hand. He was irritable with his siblings—yelling and picking fights. The injury had taken a heavy toll on his mental well-being," Mohammed’s father explains.

Mohammed, a 12-year-old boy from Gaza, lost part of his hand to an injury. For a long time, he hid his hand whenever he left home, weighed down by people’s stares and bullying, which deeply hurt his confidence and strained his relationships.

Through a summer camp run by Tkiyet Um Ali in partnership with Palestine of Tomorrow Association for Community Development, Mohammed found a safe space where he could express himself and connect with other kids—without his injury defining him or holding him back.

He took part in art, sports, and team games, gradually making new friends and feeling included. Over time, he became comfortable showing his hand, actively joined in group activities, and began sharing what he learned with his siblings back in their tent.

"After about a month, he stopped hiding it," his father recalls. "He started playing with an open hand, completely naturally. I could see his spirits lift dramatically."

Mohammed didn’t stop there. He returned to the sea—his favorite place before the war—and began learning to swim again, reclaiming an activity that once brought him joy.

Reflecting on his journey, Mohammed shares:

"I used to hide my hand inside a sock. But when I finally showed it, people told me: 'You’ve accomplished something incredible.' Now, I hold it, kiss it, and cherish it—because it has become truly precious to me."

His story highlights the vital need for safe, inclusive spaces that help children affected by conflict and injuries express themselves, build confidence, and reconnect with their communities. Today, Mohammed defines himself by what he can do: he paints, swims, builds friendships, and shares his energy with his siblings.

"It has become truly precious to me" captures the transformation of a young boy regaining trust in himself, embracing his capabilities, and seeing what remains with renewed acceptance and pride.

This breakthrough was no accident. It is the result of an integrated humanitarian response led by the "Gaza Children’s Recovery" program, working closely with Palestine of Tomorrow Association for Community Development and Tkiyet Um Ali. Together, they ensure that vulnerable children in Gaza receive essential psychological, educational, and basic support, alongside safe learning spaces that help them heal from trauma and rebuild their lives.

"Before the summer camp, Mohammed was constantly distressed and ashamed of his hand. He was irritable with his siblings—yelling and picking fights. The injury had taken a heavy toll on his mental well-being," Mohammed’s father explains.