Online, 11 AM CT
A conversation with Omar Nabeel from Gaza
The following interview was translated from Arabic.
What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Sometimes I wake up feeling afraid. Because of the war, I can’t sleep well at night. So morning, for me, doesn’t just mean starting a new day. It means continuing to live, because even reaching the simplest things, like food, can sometimes be difficult.
What does your typical day look like?
My days are very difficult. I have lost everything; even the ability to dream is no longer with me. I once had dreams and plans for the future, but now I live in a tent under harsh conditions. I spend most of my day helping my family and searching for water and food. Despite that, I try to keep going and remain strong.
How do you communicate with people?
Communication is not just language, it’s intention. I use sign language, but that’s not the most important thing. If a person truly wants to understand, the eyes are enough.
What kinds of stories affect you the most?
Real stories, because they carry imperfections, suffering, and hope. I often find myself in them.
Is there a phrase from your childhood that has stayed with you?
“Difficulties don’t stop you, they shape you.” I am who I am today partly because of this sentence.
What makes you laugh?
People’s attempts to communicate with me when they use spontaneous signs in a funny way. Sometimes it’s amusing, but it’s also beautiful because it comes from a genuine intention.
Register
“Communication is not just language, it’s intention. I use sign language, but that’s not the most important thing. If a person truly wants to understand, the eyes are enough.”
What is the most important thing you learned from your family?
I learned patience from my family. Life was not always easy, but they taught me endurance and not to give up. For me, patience is not just waiting, it’s the ability to remain strong in the hardest moments.
What should the world understand about what is happening in Gaza?
The war must stop. We have done nothing wrong. We are innocent. We will not leave our land, and we will not give it up. We only want to live in peace and with dignity. Even when someone’s voice is not heard, it does not mean their rights disappear. We too have dreams, families, and a future. The world must see that and not remain silent.
What should the international community know about Deaf Palestinian people, and how can they support them?
The most important thing the international community should know is that Deaf people have dreams, talents, and great abilities. We simply communicate differently, and that is not a deficiency.
To support them, the most important step is raising awareness and improving accessibility. Equal opportunities must be provided in education, work, and social life. Especially Deaf communities living in difficult conditions, like in Palestine, must have their voices heard more and their rights protected.
Register for Our Virtual Visit to Gaza with Deaf Relief
Thursday, May 28th at 12pm ET
American Sign Language and Arabic Sign Language Interpretation provided