In the midst of war-torn Gaza City, Iman Farhat and her husband, Rami Al Arouqi, have found a sense of peace and joy through the adoption of a baby girl named Jannah. This young child, previously known as Massa, is one of many orphans in the Palestinian territory following over 15 months of conflict between Israel and Hamas. The couple’s decision to adopt was solidified during the war, which left thousands of children without families.
Iman Farhat gently rocks Jannah to sleep, wrapped in a brightly colored blanket, singing softly as she does so. The couple had no preference for gender or physical appearance; they simply wanted to provide a loving home to a young child. Farhat explained, “I chose Jannah just as she was,” and she officially changed the baby’s name to Jannah, meaning “paradise” in Arabic.
The adoption process was not without its challenges. Initially, the couple felt a mix of joy and fear, as they had never had a child before. However, their desire to support their community during such a difficult time motivated them. Arouqi noted that the idea of adoption had been on their minds, but it became more pressing during the war, which left many families devastated.
According to Unicef, there were approximately 19,000 unaccompanied or separated children in Gaza as of September. While specific data on adoptions in the region is scarce, the need for support is evident. The conflict has severely impacted Gaza, with over 69% of buildings damaged or destroyed and widespread displacement and hunger.
Despite the challenges, Farhat and her husband have found that adopting Jannah has brought immense happiness into their lives. Before joining her new family, Jannah was cared for by the SOS Children’s Villages, an NGO that supports children in need. The couple’s decision to adopt reflects a broader sense of community support, with Arouqi emphasizing the importance of Palestinians standing together during difficult times.
The fragile truce that took effect in January has brought some stability to the region, though the situation remains precarious. For Farhat and her husband, however, their world has become a “paradise” with Jannah by their side.
