PALESTINE. Jenin Refugee Camp. 27 November 2023.

"It’s hard to say goodbye. I find myself yearning to hear my husband’s voice, to be together again. Yet fate has determined that he remains far from me. I often reflect on the beautiful moments we shared—truly, they were the best days of my life.

There are times I sit alone, and it feels as though he is right beside me. I call out his name into the silence of the house, and in my mind, he turns to look at me. I will never forget the way he gazed at me, nor the tender words he spoke that filled my heart with joy. Since his death, however, life feels devoid of value; there’s little that brings me happiness now.

The weight of my sorrow is heavy, a burden I carry with me, and nothing seems capable of easing it. What once brought me joy is gone, leaving me in a world stripped of color. The only solace I find is at his grave, where I sit and talk to him.

I am the wife of this remarkable man who bestowed upon me all his love. Sometimes I sit by myself and it feels as if you are sitting next to me. And sometimes I call out your name to the house and then you look at me. I will never forget how you looked at me. I remember the beautiful words you said to me out loud. Joy would fill my heart. But since my husband’s death life has no value anymore; there is nothing anymore that makes me happy.
The pain is heavy, but I carry it with me and nothing seems to be able to take it away. What made me happy is gone. I am living a life without colour without you. The only thing that gives me some peace is when I sit at his grave and talk to him.
I am the wife of this wonderful man who gave me all his love."