Esther during the quotes protest on Dam square. Photo: Oh Beautiful World

A year without normal days

2024 has not seen a single day in which genocide was not committed in Palestine. A year in which the entire Palestinian people in Gaza were still being hunted down and murdered. In which Gaza is being destroyed piece by piece at a rapid pace. A year about which our children will probably ask us "what did you do?"

A year I never imagined could happen: Children begging for their lives; Already 5 babies frozen to death; Elderly people dying of hunger; Dr Abu Safiya who showed us for weeks what happened in Kamal Adwan hospital and who is now being humiliated and possibly tortured in Sde Teiman torture prison, the same prison where Dr Adnan Al Borsch was tortured to death. The examples of unparalleled injustice are countless. And all this with the silence and support of world leaders.

A year with growing support

2024 also saw unprecedented and growing solidarity with Palestine. Never before have we been able to provide so much aid, both humanitarian and in the area of resistance. Because the almost 75,000 olive trees that can be planted are resistance to land expropriation, and never before have so many olive trees been sponsored. We have been able to help in many ways through the Palestine Fund. People who would otherwise not have clean drinking water, or clothing, or even wheelchairs and crutches. Children who had lost everything who can now play again. And more and more people are becoming aware of the injustice that has been done to Palestine for decades, and are taking action!

A year with Little bright lights

2024 is also the year our nephew Ahmed was born, in a tent in the south of Gaza. I called him 'Naji' before he was born, which means survivor. Because that is what I wish for him, and all the generations that are still surviving in Gaza. Naji often has a radiant smile in the photos. He gives us joy in the darkness.

A year that calls for wishes and action

And I wish for all of us that we may see freedom and justice for Palestine, very soon. Thank you dear Plant een Olijfboom community for your trust, support, words, donations and actions. We will continue, together!

Love Esther