Life is not cotton candy

Ever since the war began, the entire country has changed. But there is one thing that almost no one talks about – the children. We, the children, are not just sitting on the sidelines watching what’s happening. We are part of it. We feel it every day, every hour. We are going through a difficult time. I recently heard psychologist Prof. Mooli Lahad say: “Sorrow, suffering, and pain are part of life, and anyone who tries to hide this from children and tell them that life is only a sweet cotton candy stick is not preparing them for the truth of life.”

But we are not only dealing with the truth of life, we are also doing for others, volunteering, and contributing to all those who are sacrificing their lives in this war.

I chose to contribute on the front lines of national advocacy because it’s important for me that the world knows what Israeli children’s situation has been since October 7th and what they have to deal with

There are children who have been injured, there are children who have been evacuated from their homes, some have family members who were killed or kidnapped to Gaza, or some have family members who were injured or killed in the war. This, in addition to dealing with sirens and rocket fire almost every day in Israel, and sometimes even in the middle of the night. The life routine of Israeli children is unlike that of children anywhere else in the world.

So, if this is the situation, at least let the world hear the voices of children in Israel. That is why I am very active on social media and happy to see so many positive responses, as well as responses from pro-Palestinian supporters who struggle to deal with the facts I present about Israel’s children.

Even during my advocacy missions around the world, I meet children and adults who are interested in the situation of children in Israel.

It is not easy to advocate for Israel these days across the world, but despite the difficulty, it is important for me that the world knows why we are fighting and why we have the right to live here in peace.

I am not alone. I have met other children and teenagers who volunteer. Children who prepare packages for soldiers, those who volunteer with children evacuated from their homes, or even at the hostages’ headquarters. Each one of us has a part to play, even if it’s small.

I’m not sure if a child my age in Germany, the US, or England would go through something like this and continue with their life as if nothing happened. We are strong, and we are not indifferent. Maybe we can’t be soldiers or commanders, but we deserve to be seen. We deserve a hug, a kind word, and even a resilience award for what we are going through. Because we too are fighters – in our own way.

So, the next time you see a child in Israel, remember that they are not “just children.” They are little heroes, and they too deserve our applause.

This week, I received the “Resilience Award” awarded by the “Resource Center” association, the “Jewish Agency Terror Victims Fund”, the “Keren Hayesod” organization, and the Leibstein family.