Amid the backdrop of war and destruction in Gaza, an inspiring and uplifting story has surfaced. Instead, it reflects that same resilience and hope for the people who live there. Nine-month-old Jannah, previously Massa, was just adopted by her new parents Rami Al-Arouqi and Iman Farhat. This adoption shines like a beacon of hope for a family who has struggled with infertility for more than two decades. It fills their hearts with happiness and their pockets with opportunities. Sadly, Jannah’s entire family was killed by an Israeli airstrike during those short hours of freedom. Now she sets out on a personal odyssey full of heartbreak and the possibility of redemption.
When the current war in Gaza erupted in October 2023, I was reminded of something that happened at recording sessions. Ever since Jannah came into his life, it’s meant something way more profound for Rami Al-Arouqi. He refers to her as his angel from God, giving him a new outlook during a storm of madness around them. In Arabic, Jannah’s name literally translates to “paradise.” Yet, it symbolizes the overwhelming joy she’s brought to the couple following their greatest time of pain and trauma.
Journey to Adoption
In late 2024, Iman Farhat made the move toward adoption. She applied to be nominated as an adoptive parent with Rami Al-Arouqi. Having finalized the red tape, a month later they were finally able to meet Jannah in the Musella hospital near their home in Gaza.
When I met Jannah the first time, I cried because Jannah was so little,” −Iman Farhat. This emotional meeting opened a new chapter in life for their entire family.
Three months after meeting her, Jannah traveled with Rami and Iman to their home in the northern part of Gaza City. This transition provided each of them a truly unique opportunity to raise a child. Even for a child of this tender age, the impact of violence may have already taken an unimaginable toll.
Rami shared his deep appreciation for Jannah. He mentioned, “In all honesty, I never anticipated that I was going to get this gift from God or that He was going to pay me back after 23 years of waiting and being patient. His words reveal the visceral emotional bond that’s developed between them, born out of love and hardship.
Challenges in Gaza
While Jannah’s arrival has filled her new family with great joy, the reality in Gaza is still volatile. Innocent families are left attempting to pick up the pieces from devastating conflict. Some are now parenting extra kids, having already lost extended family members. As a humanitarian worker, Ms. Ingram raised the plight of families trapped in this dangerous limbo.
She mentioned that the Gaza Strip is currently the most dangerous place in the world to be a child. It’s become the most dangerous place in the world to do humanitarian work. She described how the families that used to take in children don’t have the ability to take care of them anymore. Their reality has become more complicated due to economic pressures, exacerbated by the persistent violence.
“That harrowing occurrence is all too common here that a child becomes the sole survivor of their entire extended family,” – Ms. Ingram
Unfortunately, many children like Jannah are left desolate after being orphaned and separated from their families. The emotional toll on these kids and their families is staggering. According to Ms. Ingram, another major innovation is that they distribute cash assistance directly. This assistance allows families to settle the extra expense of adding another mouth to feed and an additional child to raise.
The Importance of Support
Rami and Iman are enjoying being new parents, full stop. They are in constant pursuit for collaboration with humanitarian agencies that provide psychosocial support and mental health services. “What we can do and continue to do is to provide psychosocial support, mental health support to the children and their families,” emphasized Ms. Ingram.
The need for aid is urgent. She expressed that pressure must be put on authorities to open crossings into Gaza so essential supplies can reach those in need. We need to keep up the pressure on Israeli authorities to immediately and unconditionally open all crossings into the Gaza Strip. This will enable us to send an enormous influx of much-needed emergency assistance and supplies.
Aside from the persistent threat of war, families such as Rami and Iman’s are met with obstacles in making their homes to suit their new realities. Their lives full of uncertainty, the couple is doing everything they can to provide Jannah with strength and love through times of uncertainty. And they’re making damn sure she’s going to grow up with love and positive energy all around her.
