I am Jood.  I am 11 years old.  

I am from Tel al-Hawa, Gaza.

Jood was part of my Dreaming Big with Cameras workshop in Egypt. At just 11 years old, she carried the quiet depth of an old soul—one who had already seen far too much for someone so young.

In this video, Jood shares her story—of life before and during the war. It’s a reflection on displacement, fear, loss… and a glimmer of hope.

Jood talks about Gaza before and during the war

Alongside her words, we’re showcasing some of her photography—images that reflect the quiet tension of suppressed emotions. Through her lens, Jood captured not just what was visible, but what was felt: traces of resilience, fleeting moments of comfort, and the unspoken weight carried by those around her.

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Before the workshop ended, I left one of the cameras with Jood. It felt only right. She had found a quiet power in photography - a way to process, to communicate, to dream beyond the present. With that camera in her hands, she could continue telling her story on her own terms, frame by frame. I hope it becomes more than just a tool for her - I hope it becomes a companion, a witness, and a doorway to something bigger.