http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/26/technology/internet/26twitter.html?ref=technology
who - the company Twitter
what - take customer's suggestions and add new features that customers want to see
where - the company is based in san francisco but twitter users are all over the world
when - within a few weeks these new changes will roll out
why - twitter is a social media which allows people to share their thoughts in real time, to audiences of over a million people, using 140 character posts.

My first blog Post:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/26/health/policy/26talkshows.html?_r=1&ref=politics

who: Democrats in Washington DC
what: are excited that a health care bill may be approved very soon.
where: Washington DC in Congress
when: October 25, 2009
why: National Healthcare will give everyone a chance to have good healthcare for free.

leaving for GVA

in 3 days, on Friday evening, i'll depart the good ole USA for my new home in Geneva, Switzerland for 3 weeks. I haven't traveled outside of the country in years, since 1998, unless you count the tiny islands off the coast of Puerto Rico, back in 2005, but that's still a commonwealth of the USA.

the program that i'm participating in is called the Global Program and i'll be getting a 2nd masters in education with a concentration in global education technology. right up my alley. i'll get to visit the United Nations and people from the International Labor Organization, Red Cross, and so on.

there are 18 other students in my class. i'm nervous, excited, scared, and amazed all at once.

i can't wait to be in a new country, with new people, and take pictures and explore and eat new foods and see new sights and learn new things....it's all so exciting and overwhelming and cool :D

3 days after surgery

hey everyone,

i hope you'll forgive me for not making it in today. this recovery thing is tougher than i thought, and much more painful. i had the surgery tuesday afternoon, but didnt leave the hospital until tuesday night. the doctors gave me medicine to numb my arm, and to make me sleep, and when i woke up in recovey, my voice was really hoarse because the nerve that controls feeling in your arm is right next to the nerve that contols your vocal cords. who knew?

since i've been home, i've felt a little better each day. i've been trying to eat healthy foods so my body will heal even faster. some friends sent a fruit basket with chocolate covered strawberries, which were really delicious. i've been sleeping a lot too, and it's still hard to move around because my shoulder hurts a lot.

right now i have a bandage on my incision that is called a "pressure wrap". it has to stay dry and it helps the stitches underneath heal faster. it's really tight and hurts to touch so as long as i don't move around too much it's ok.

i hope to be back in school on monday. i can't wait for us to start recording our podcasts. after they're done we'll be able to transfer them to an ipod or mp3 player so you can share them with people at home.

i still want to make a "tech greatest hits" CD with our garageband songs. let me know if you'd like your song to be on it.

see you soon,

ms. apfel

2 days till surgery

i'm pretty nervous for my shoulder surgery. if you want to see a video of what it will look like, check out this site: http://www.orthoillustrated.com, click the shoulder, and watch the first two videos on the bottom half of the screen. It's called AC Joint Repair graftrope and AC Joint Repair tightrope. don't worry, it's not a bloody video, just an animation.

surgery is scheduled for 3pm on tuesday, so think good thoughts for me at that time. i'm a little scared that something might go wrong, and i know it's going to hurt when i get home, but my family will be taking care of me so i know i'll be ok.

maybe i'll even be back in school by thursday or friday!

this week, and please, wear your helmet.

hey kids,

sorry that i'm not there to tell you this in person. i hope to be back by thursday or friday. as most of you know, i usually ride my bicycle to school, and was doing just that on monday morning. i was riding up 5th ave and my bike hit a majorly messed up spot of concrete in the road and i fell over my handlebars, off my bike, and onto the street, landing on my head and shoulder.

let me just say that if i had not been wearing my helmet, there is a good chance i could have been killed or paralyzed. i want all of you to ALWAYS wear helmets when you're riding.

my arm and shoulder were the most damaged, and an ambulance took me to the emergency room at the hospital. i had x-rays taken, my scrapes cleaned out, and i have to wear a sling that keeps my right arm tucked close to me so i don't move my shoulder.

the thing that is offically wrong is called Acromioclavicular Joint Separation. this means the muscle and tendons which connect my collarbone to my shoulder blade are torn. they might heal themselves, or i might need surgery. hopefully i'll be able to come back to school this week, but it hurts A LOT and the doctor said to rest. i would like you to continue exploring garage band this week in class. there are two different tasks i would like you to complete this week. they are:

1. create a 30 measure song that uses no more than 3 different tracks. give the song a title and write a 3 sentence description of what the song means to you. specify what genre your song is too.

2. create a 30 measure song that uses at least 6 different tracks. give the song a title and write a 3 sentence description of what the song means to you. specify what genre your song is too.

be sure to remember which computer number you used for your songs.

3. if you finish both songs (make sure you've put effort in, and not just carelessly thrown something together) you should read the how-to tutorial here: http://www.apple.com/support/garageband/podcasts/recording/

please, as always, be respectful and responsible with all equipment, and put back whatever you borrow.

email me any questions msapfel821@gmail.com and i hope to see you this week!

-ms. apfel

Palestinian Teens Blogs - new link

What children have been through will affect their worldview when they grow up.

Hothayfa: "I am starting to feel the effect now after the war is over. I learned to be patient, to help my family and neighbors. I became aware of so many things. I learned that there were things, which I thought are important but now I know they are secondary.

"Children are affected by the war. Psychologically, they are not stable. They are scared and they cry all the time. They talk about the conflict even when they play. Their dislike for Israel has increased. The problem is that what the children have been through will for sure affect their worldview when they grow up.

"The government should consider the psychological status of the people of Gaza and they must unite and represent all Palestinians."

Link

January 23, 2009 9:53 am
I hope we learn our lesson from this war and understand that we have to unite.

Ziad: "[Because of the war] I learned to be responsible and to not take anything for granted. There are things that I used to believe in and now I don't and the other way around. I used to trust some people and now I don't.

"Young people are affected by the war. They even play the role of Israelis and Palestinians in their games. They know what Fatah and Hamas are. They know what a sniper is. In other words, they are deprived of their childhood.

"I hope we learn our lesson from this war and understand that we have to unite."

Link

January 23, 2009 9:49 am
I am trying to leave the country.

Fairouz: "I used to be frightened, but after the first two weeks of war, I was not scared anymore. I was careless. I don't think that there will be a solution for this situation. I am trying to leave the country.

"It had a great impact on the lives of children. The first words that babies say are 'bombing' and 'Israelis'."

Link

January 23, 2009 9:45 am
I realized that the people I know might not be with us tomorrow.

Reem: "I learned a lot from what happened and in case there is another war, I know I will be able to handle it better. I also became more caring. After I lost many of the people I know, I realized that the people I know might not be with us tomorrow.

"What happened also motivates me to finish my degree and continue my studies and even try to get a scholarship and leave Gaza so that I won't experience this again. Before the war I used to think of today only but now I think of each day as a life. So I have to accomplish something each and everyday."

Link

January 23, 2009 9:42 am
I cannot ask a child to forget how helpless he was watching his family die.

Derar: "The war in Gaza taught me that I am responsible toward my country as well as my family and my friends. I believe that we are the only ones who must stand up for our rights and I believe that there are many ways to do that. War is not the only choice.

"[The younger generation] have been through tough times and I don't think they would forget what happened. Nor would they easily forgive those responsible for all what happened to them as a result of the war. It would be especially difficult for those who lost their families and homes.

"I cannot ask a child to forget how helpless he was watching his family die, let alone the fear he experienced during bombing. It is really hard. In order for them to overcome this, children would need some therapy although this may take a long time until they fully recover."

Link

January 22, 2009 1:31 pm
The war affected me.

Nasser: "The war affected me. My grandparents and parents always told me about wars but I did not believe that it would be that bad. Now I understand. I learned to be patient and tolerant. I learned not to complain especially because sometimes we do not have too many choices. I learned how to make use of my time when I have nothing to do.

"The younger generation must have dreams, but many of their dreams are changed. They are aware of other things that children in other areas of the world would not think of.

"I don't know how [to convince young people that will still need to live in peace]. I might tell them that at the end of the day we are all the same. We are human beings and that we all need to live in peace. But honestly at this moment, I don't really believe in this. The chances for peace dropped 50% in my opinion. This attack has taken us back to before 1994.

"What happened proved that Israel did not differentiate between civilians and fighters. For Israel we are all the same, we are all Palestinian. Hence, most of those killed were civilians. Therefore, we must always remember our common goal as Palestinians."

Link

January 22, 2009 1:29 pm
I am surprised by the destruction in Gaza. We have never seen such a thing before.

Hanadi: "I was surprised by the protests and the support for Palestinians from all over the world. I am also surprised by the amount of destruction in Gaza Strip. We have never seen such a thing before.

"The younger generation has gone through a lot. Many children even died. But there has to be some kind of solution to this problem because they are living under difficult circumstances. The Palestinian parties should unite and find a solution to the problem in Gaza."

Link

January 22, 2009 1:24 pm
We have to believe that peace is the only solution.

Haitham: "[Because of the war] I started to view the governments of other countries differently. It seems they think that the civilians and the victims are not real human beings. And so I do not believe in their role.

"My parents, siblings and even the younger generation all experienced war and will continue to experience that. Yet, I hope that there will be some peaceful solution after this war. We have to believe that peace is the only solution.

"I would like to tell the extremists to let the moderate parties find a solution. There should not be any kind of extremism because we, as Palestinians, have one common goal."

Link

January 21, 2009 8:25 am
People are somewhat optimistic.

Fairouz: "Life is back to normal. People go out, shops are open. People are somewhat optimistic. I went out yesterday and today. I called Mercy Corps office to check if they were working the next day. I also spoke with the leaders of Global Youth Connectivity and we met at the office.

"Psychologically I am affected by what happened. We lost people, many houses were destroyed. No one knows how the school year will continue, let alone the fear of another war. We are also left without water or electricity, so we have to adjust to a new lifestyle with many things missing."

Link

January 21, 2009 8:22 am
It will take ten years until we rebuild Gaza.

Haitham: "Life is getting back to normal, but institutes and banks are still closed. People are worried about their houses and are fixing the damages. It's miserable.

"I would wait and see what they will have to say first. We are stuck between the Israelis and Hamas. We are the victims. We are suffering. So let them see what happened in Gaza and learn about what is happening in order to have peace and security in the region. I don't believe the war is over. Palestinians must unite before discussing any agreement with the Israelis.

"I will be back to work. I don't know how things will look like though, but the coming months will be difficult because it will take ten years until we rebuild Gaza."

Link

January 21, 2009 8:18 am
After all this loss, the tragedy just started.

Ziad:"Despite the ceasefire we still hear planes. People are repairing their homes. We keep hearing bad news about people killed and injured.

"By the end of this week we'll see. There may be a longer ceasefire or another war, but for sure life will be difficult. We are dealing with so many things at the same time. We lost a lot of people and there is a massive destruction in Gaza. After all this loss, the tragedy just started."

Link

January 20, 2009 8:54 am
My worry is to let the world know about what happened in Gaza.

Derar: "We are back to our house. We are repairing the damage. Tal El Hawa is destroyed, but things will get back to normal in two or three days.

"I took a deep breath. I felt somewhat relieved. We were so stressed out when the ceasefire was unilateral, but now that both sides agreed to a ceasefire, we feel much better.

"Until now the war is not over. I still hear some shooting. The war was a turning point in my life. I realized a lot of things. I did not expect all this to happen, and I believe that there were many ways to avoid the war, and avoiding the war would have been better because the destruction is massive. I still don't know what will happen with my university, but my worry is to let the world know about what happened in Gaza."

Link

January 20, 2009 8:46 am
Some people cannot even figure where their house was because all the buildings are damaged.

Hothayfa: "The situation is better. People go out and life is getting back to normal. People are repairing their homes, and those whose homes were totally damaged are staying with friends or family or staying in tents. I went out with my friends to see the destruction. Some people cannot even figure where their house was because all the buildings are damaged. Even the American school was bombarded.

"After the ceasefire we went to our home to see what happened and what needs to be fixed. The windows and doors are broken; the third and fourth floor are partially damaged. Therefore we decided to move to the first floor, and yesterday we moved back to home. I also met my friends.

"It seems like the war is over, the discourse is different. There is support for a ceasefire and the main concern is rehabilitation. Many things are going to change now. The university and the institutions I used to go to are bombarded so my daily routine will definitely change. Moreover, my ideas and thoughts have changed. Before the war, I only wanted to live a normal life and I did not pay attention to politics. Now we want our rights and we have to demand them, because we - the civilians - suffered."

Link

January 20, 2009 8:40 am
I don't think the war is over.

Reem: "People are in the streets as if there's a feast. Tal El Hawa is attracting people from all over Gaza Strip to come and see the damage. People are repairing the damage and trying to find a shelter.

"The first thing was to go back home. Our building was not damaged but other towers close to ours were damaged and a few people from our area died. I also went to Mercy Corps' office.

"I don't think the war is over. I miss everything even things that I thought I will never think of. People are trying to find a way to leave Gaza.

"I am getting sick; both psychologically and physically. We've lost a lot of people and we've lost many things at once."

Link

January 20, 2009 8:31 am
Life is not about a house that was damaged.

Nasser: "My parents are back home. The house is clean. We replaced the broken windows with plastic sheets. Parts of the house are burnt so we will have to fix this somehow. We still sleep in two safe rooms just in case something happens, but we can go out and work.

"I saw the Gaza Strip being destroyed, and when I worked with the company that makes documentaries I felt I had a huge responsibility. I was not doing a mere job. My responsibility was to show the world what happened. I realized that life does not stop; people do not die. Life is not about a house that was damaged. It is beyond all these materialistic things. The war showed the hatred and the spite that both sides feel. The chances for peace are fewer."

Link

January 19, 2009 12:05 pm
We came back home yesterday.

Haitham: "We came back home yesterday. There are bullets in the walls, the glass is broken along with other things, so we are trying to repair the damage in order for my parents to come back. There are so many changes. People are going back to their homes. They are out in the streets, but people are miserable and depressed. The landscape in Gaza has changed. The roads are not as they used to be.

"From the point of view of a civilian I feel like the cease fire is not real. We were really scared yesterday when we were on our way to home. The Israelis started the war and they ended it, so it is up to them. We just hope things get better."

Link

January 19, 2009 12:01 pm
Life is not back to normal.

Reem: "People are a bit more relaxed after the cease fire although the situation is not so stable. Some people received messages on their cellular phones saying 'Don't be so happy, even if you are back to your homes you may have to evacuate again.'

"The ceasefire should have started a long time ago. We can go back to our homes and we feel safe, but we still feel that this quietness is temporary because the real problem is not solved. There is no agreement or anything of this sort. The Palestinian authorities think that what happened is a victory; but in reality the civilians are the ones who lost.

"We can move around. People went back to their homes, they are cleaning, searching for missing people. It is really sad. People only talk about what happened and about who died. All we do is call those who lost someone. Others whose homes got ruined are trying to find another shelter. Life is not back to normal. We still hear the planes."

Link

January 19, 2009 11:59 am
We started to see all the damage and I realized that there are people suffering more than I do.

Nasser: "We started to see all the damage and I realized that there are people suffering more than I do. Those who live close by the border had to leave their homes, many of them died as well.

"The ceasefire is good for civilians, but I hope it lasts for a long period. It's very important that we do not lose more people.

"The reaction of the authorities in Gaza must be positive after all what has happened and all those killed. The siege must end; the pre-war conditions must change."

Link

January 18, 2009 3:07 pm
After 23 days of war, I cannot foresee how things will be in the future ...

Ziad: "It is quieter in the area where I have been staying for the past two days, yet we can feel that people are worried and anxious. I am very sad because Sheikh Radwan graveyard was bombarded and that is where my father is buried. I don't understand why they bombed the graveyard? What did the dead do?

"I support a cease fire. People are tired and the past few weeks were really tough, so it is the right decision.

"People who know me say that I am an optimistic person, but now it's not that I am not optimistic, it's just that I am not comfortable at all. We will have to wait and see how things go. After 23 days of war, I cannot foresee how things will be in the future, how our life will continue and such. I have many questions and I guess that in a few days these questions will be answered."

Link

January 18, 2009 3:06 pm
The last two days before the ceasefire were very difficult.

Nasser: "The last two days before the ceasefire were very difficult. The Israeli soldiers were about 800 kilometers away from my home. The sound of bombing was so loud, we could not go out of our homes. Now it's quiet, and after going out, we are seeing the destruction."

Link

January 18, 2009 3:04 pm
We hope this war ends really soon.

Fairouz: "The situation is much better. We are still staying with another family. We are worried about our home though. My parents went to our home today and found out that there is some minor damage. The telephone lines and cellular network are not working properly, so I could not reach my friends. Yesterday, I knew that a girl from my university died along with her mother and three sisters and the father was injured. It's so sad.

"After the ceasefire, I am optimistic. We hope this war ends really soon."

Link

January 18, 2009 3:00 pm
I just hope that after all our losses something good will come out.

Hothayfa: "The doors and windows in our house are broken, and there are bullets in the walls. My father, brothers and I are cleaning up the house and trying to fix things because we cannot live in it without windows or doors.

"The question is: is Israel's operation over? We were not expecting the cease fire now, because we heard that the IDF will be continuing its operation. The Palestinian groups agreed to a ceasefire, but the Israeli soldiers are still present in Gaza. The Israelis probably made up the ceasefire story in order to show the international community that they have the will to end their operation. I still cannot make up my mind. This week is a trial period. We hope it remains quiet.

"We hope everything goes well; there's an improvement, and after the storm the sun rises. I just hope that after all our losses something good will come out."

Link

January 16, 2009 9:52 am
I hope this war ends really soon so that we would have peace.

Haitham: "It is quiet right now, we go used to the war, it has become part of our routine. At least now we can leave home during the daily cease fire, so I visit my grandparents everyday.

"In Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, people live a somewhat normal life….but after sunset no one walks around. We hear the bombing but it is far away. Everyday, after midnight the shelling starts, so one cannot sleep because the house shakes.

"I would like to thank the Arab world for their support. Apparently people in Yemen, Libya, Algeria, and the United Arab Emirates are able to call Gaza for free during the war in order to support us. To hear from people we do not even know is a very nice gesture. I hope that no one would experience what we have been through. I hope this war ends really soon so that we would have peace."

Link

January 15, 2009 9:59 am
We were evacuated from our homes in Tal El Hawa, Gaza City.

Reem: "We were evacuated from our homes in Tal El Hawa, Gaza City. We left everything behind and had to walk to Al Quds (Red Crescent) hospital escorted by the ICRC staff. We could not take anything with us we even forgot our identification cards, we just walked out of our building with our hands up, surrounded by tanks and snipers. We are staying at the basement of the hospital. Even the hospital is surrounded by tanks and is being bombarded."

Link

January 14, 2009 11:54 am
Last night, I could sleep for only two hours.

Reem: "Last night, I could sleep for only two hours. The shelling was not close to where we are right now, but the sound was really loud. It is quieter during the day.

"I feel like I totally forgot everything about college and my studies, so I will have to study hard to catch up. I also want to check on my friends and family. As for the community, I want to be involved in rebuilding Gaza, helping needy people.

"You may never find us tomorrow, so pray for us."

Link

January 14, 2009 11:52 am
We want to feel that someone is supporting us.

Hothayfa: "Last night was terrible; we only slept for an hour and a half or so. Some areas were bombed — we still don't know exactly were — but we know that the graveyard, the park, and downtown Gaza were hit. My dad and I went to the graveyard to check on my grandma's grave.

"I cannot tell you how I feel, because this changes every moment depending on what happens. In general, I would say I am scared, I am disturbed, and no one knows how things will unfold.

"I want the people to do something. It can be a simple gesture, but they cannot be quiet. We want to feel that someone is supporting us."

Link

January 14, 2009 11:51 am
Unfortunately not having water or electricity and hearing bombs has become part of our routine.

Ziad: "The night passed peacefully, but the night before was pretty bad; the Israelis entered and left the city but they cut off the electricity again. And we still don't have water.

"The situation is really bad in Gaza. It's very miserable. We cannot live a normal life. I am happy about the protests all over the world and the posts on the Global Citizen Corps. It is really nice to know that there are people who care about us and support us … this is very encouraging. Unfortunately not having water or electricity and hearing bombs has become part of our routine ... even the increase in the number of the victims and the those injured is becoming normal."

Link

January 14, 2009 11:48 am
Just like any other country, Gaza is part of this world, and people should care about what is going on in Gaza.

Nasser: The situation is better today. I could sleep from 1-7 a.m. There were some bombings this morning and that is what actually woke me up.

"As a group, Global Youth Connection leaders must meet and do something after this war. Before the war we were working on water pollution in Gaza, but now this is irrelevant after all what has happened, especially that there is no infrastructure left in Gaza.

"Just like any other country, Gaza is part of this world, and people should care about what is going on in Gaza. There has been a siege for a year and a half, and no one said anything, but after the war people protested and started to act. We ask them to keep supporting the civilians in Gaza."

Link

January 13, 2009 9:33 am
This is an incident that I will never forget.

Hothayfa: "My family and I are now staying with my grandparents; our neighbors informed us that two days ago a house close to ours was bombarded and that our windows are broken and some walls are destroyed.

"There is no safe place in Gaza; we moved in with my grandparents thinking that their neighborhood is safer, but last night we were watching a movie on my laptop and all of a sudden an adjacent building was bombarded, luckily no one had a major injury because we were sitting right under the window, but the broken glass was all over and some of us had minor injuries, and we could probably sleep for an hour or so. This is an incident that I will never forget.

"There are many changes ... buildings are destructed, people changed; all they talk about is the war, people don't laugh anymore, they are just scared, worried and they have no clue as to what might happen ..."

Link

January 13, 2009 9:31 am
Every morning I pray that this war would end really soon ...

Haitham: "Too many people are staying in the same place with us (25 people) so there are a few difficulties with that, we are very bored and tired of all this. So we are trying to sort things out and manage things at home.

"Lately I have been going to sleep really late at night and waking up really late as well. I am used to going to the university, to work, and to see my friends, but now I spend my time at home, there are very few activities, we hang out with each other at home.

"Every morning I pray that this war would end really soon, hopefully we will be able to live a normal safe life just like before the war or even better."

Link

January 13, 2009 9:23 am
I just hope that nothing else happens.

Nasser: "Last night there was a lot of bombing, but it is quieter during the day. All the trees in our garden were burnt yesterday. I just hope that nothing else happens. People in Gaza do not believe that there is democracy in the world because of all what is happening to us, everyone is wondering why isn't all this stopped if there is democracy. People are desperate; they do not care about anything anymore.

"I have been working for the past two days. I work for a company that makes documentaries; so I do the translation and some management tasks in the office.

"We used to walk around in Gaza and notice all the nice places there, but now every 50 meters there are damaged buildings and houses. The Legislative Council used to be a beautiful building but now it's all black, many institutes and buildings are burnt. Even the buildings in the area by the sea were bombarded ... And at night we cannot walk in the streets ..."

Link

January 12, 2009 9:37 am
Lately we are forgetting about food ...

Ziad: "The building right next to us was bombarded, two apartments were on fire we were scared because our apartment became full of smoke and we were worried after all what we heard about the weapons the Israelis are using ... But a short while ago we got electricity.

"Right after I woke up I went to bring some water. The cease fire started at 10 a.m. today and ended at 1 p.m. so I went to a nearby pharmacy to charge my cellular phone.

"During the first days of the war we used to eat, but lately we are forgetting about food; it's not that we do not have food, we just don't think of it anymore, for example yesterday we did not eat anything. We ran out of cooking gas so our neighbors make us coffee or tea. I heard that there is humanitarian aid but I did not see anything.

"The days are all the same, we are bored, there's continuous shelling and no where is safe ..."

Link

January 12, 2009 9:35 am
The area is very quiet ...

Fairouz: "Yesterday the bombing was very close to our area and was random; it was really loud as well. We could not sleep, the bombing even started early last night, but usually during the day it's quieter.

"We had no bread, but because we had electricity mom was baking bread and I helped her, and later on I typed up my diaries ... I play with my brothers and sisters, study for my exams because at a point we will be back to university, I also read.

"Children do not play in the neighborhood anymore, people left their homes and moved to other shelters; the area is very quiet ..."

Link

January 12, 2009 9:33 am
I hope nothing changes, that's enough ...

Derar: "Nothing new or special the days are the same ... After I wake up I get dressed, I have breakfast, I read or write and if we have electricity I watch television or use the internet, I sometimes see one of my friends who lives close by. I hope nothing changes, that's enough ..."

Link

January 12, 2009 9:30 am
It's really quiet today ...

Hanadi: "It's really quiet today, but last night was a bit scary. However, people are going out now; they visit their neighbors for example. And we finally have water and electricity.

"My aunt and her family slept over, so after I woke up I helped my mom make some bread and we had some extra vegetables so we gave our neighbors some.

"Life is somewhat becoming normal, we are not as scared as before."

Link

January 12, 2009 9:22 am
The air is polluted; it's full of dust and gases ...

Reem: "The first thing I do after I wake up is check on my family and our house; make sure that everything is alright. I also call my friends and check on them, for example today I called the leaders of the Why Not? program. They are all fine, but their relatives either got injured or their houses got damaged; everyone is terrified.

"Our neighbors have a baby girl she's one year old, she has been waking up in the middle of the night saying that her things are bombarded ... this is very sad.

"We had stored food and my father goes shopping for the basic things during the short cease fire, but still it's not very safe to go out during the cease fire. Moreover, we are running out of cash; there are no salaries and no money at the banks….No aid is coming in to Gaza from INGOs

"The air is polluted; it's full of dust and gases, people are scared, our building is empty, there is no life, the city is empty and haunted if you will.

"We have never experienced such a thing, we are considering moving to another country if possible and just leave everything in Gaza. We cannot sleep and we do not know if we will wake up the next morning. But the thing is that at the moment it is very difficult to leave home and go somewhere else especially that everywhere in Gaza is not safe anymore."

Link

January 11, 2009 11:04 am
We could not sleep last night.

Fairouz: "We don't go out of our home, even during the short cease fire; we do not believe in it because there were several times when the Israelis killed people during that time, they might wait until all people are out and they would attack them.

"We could not sleep last night. The shelling was very close to our house. We tried to find another shelter to go to but we couldn't because no place is safe.

"Usually I used to go to the university, to the office and to French lessons, but now there is nothing that can be done, and I am home all day long. We listen to the news on the radio; lately we have been getting electricity for about 2-3 hours per day so we watch television.

"Everyone is psychologically tired. People have been telling me that they are waiting to die, because they either know someone who died or someone who got injured."

Link

January 10, 2009 9:24 am
It feels like we are besieged ...

Derar: "There is an escalation. My family and I are staying in an area called al Nusairat; last night we could not sleep, it was very terrifying because no one knows what is going on, and the shelling sounds closer to cities, it feels like we are besieged, and of course the sounds are louder.

"People are moving from their houses trying to find another shelter. I know people who have moved several times and they keep searching for other shelters; no where remains safe...

"I used to go out with my friends during the evenings. I am sure that when I go back to my home and look out of the window I will see a totally different view. Nowadays, I spend most of the time reading and writing diaries instead of wondering about what is going on and what may happen because in my opinion this will terrify me.

"We are all experiencing a real war, my family hasn't changed, and I haven't seen my friends in two weeks now. But during these days the real personality of a person is revealed; how tolerant, strong, patient and caring a person is. People use the few hours of cease fire to shop for food, get water and medicine if needed because many people are getting sick from the very cold weather, or even take a shower before the attacks resume.

"We listen to the radio and if there's electricity then we watch television, although I hate to watch the news because then I would start to think of my family and myself and what is going to happen to us, so I prefer to know the headlines only."

Link

January 10, 2009 9:20 am
Everyone is bored of the situation.

Hanadi: "There are fewer bombings during daytime; but still there are more attacks during the night, in our area it's quieter. We still do not have water and we sometimes get electricity in the afternoon. Everyone is bored of the situation. During the daily cease fire we only go to the supermarket to buy a few things. My mom is worried a lot, she keeps asking about what is happening outside."

Link

January 9, 2009 9:12 am
People don't believe in justice and law anymore because all of what is happening

Hothayfa: "Yesterday between one and four o'clock when the attacks were halted I went to my friend's home, and at 3:50 p.m. the attacks were resumed so I was stuck there until 8 p.m. when my uncle took the risk and came to pick me up. My family was very worried about me because they tried to call me but the phone lines were not working and they could not reach me.

"The house we are staying at is by the sea, and this is a very dangerous area, because throughout the night the Israelis attack Gaza from the sea. My family is alright, but some of my friends and colleagues got hurt or have relatives who got injured, and one of my colleagues died.

"It is annoying; we stay in a small place, we see the same faces, we've all changed we look sad and pale, we are all frightened and worried.

"People don't believe in justice and law anymore because all of what is happening; we all believe that we deserve to have the basic rights. My grandfather who has heart problems is very worried."

Link

January 9, 2009 9:06 am
I just wish that all this would end really soon ...

Haitham: "We are all terrified; we are staying at my uncle's house now. A house very close to where we are currently staying was bombed right in front of my eyes; I looking out of the window and I saw the rocket hit the place.

"The children are frightened; some parts of the house are damaged now. But the most important thing is that my family and I are all together; we are hurt and we are very emotional, but seeing being others killed and injured we are thankful.

"When the attacks are halted, my father and I go to our house to get some things; today we knew that the IDF informed our neighbors that they will bomb their house; so our house might be damaged as well, therefore we had to remove the glass of the windows so that they wont break and we hope that nothing will happen.

"I just wish that all this would end really soon, and that life in Gaza will be back to normal and even better than that, because we are tired of all this."

Link

January 8, 2009 12:45 pm
There was a lot of bombing last night, we could not sleep.

Ziad: "There was a lot of bombing last night, we could not sleep. Gaza is so different, walking in the streets after being locked in the house for 13 days was a change; all the people are in the streets, shopping and walking around. It was my first time to see a television after 13 days; I haven't seen the pictures of the attacks on Gaza ever since the whole thing started. I miss everything; I miss the university, my friends, the electricity, the water..."

Link

January 8, 2009 12:42 pm
Our hopes are fading away.

Reem: "Last night was not quiet, we did not sleep well, there was shelling and bombing, our hopes are fading away; the attacks were resumed after they were halted in the early afternoon. People go out but my family refused to let me leave the house; it is not safe, everyone is still scared. It is boring, we are scared even if we are at home; we have no contact with each other, there is no school, no sports, no work, all activities are gone. I miss my friends and the university. Right now, I write and make videos in order to support Gaza and express what is inside me."

Link

January 8, 2009 12:38 pm
Our house is close to many targets ...

Hothayfa: "Our house is close to many targets, we do not want to leave our home, but we are really scared, we cannot sleep, especially lately after the random bombardment. The whole family is staying in the safest room in the house, but today we moved in to my grandparents' house. When we were at home, we used to play and soothe each other; especially with my youngest brothers and sisters, but now at my grandparents' we have to bring water every two days and do such activities when we can."

Link

January 8, 2009 12:23 pm
Today, I went out and everything was damaged and broken.

Nasser: "Tonight, my brother and I spent the night at our home; we were alone in the safest room. At 2 a.m. the shelling started. But at one in the afternoon, the attacks were halted so we went out to check on people and my sister went to get bread; she stood in line for an hour and a half. I miss everything, I miss going out with my friends. Today, I went out and everything was damaged and broken."

Link

January 7, 2009 12:22 pm
The bombing last night was very close ...

Hanadi: "The bombing last night was very close, but today it is quiet. We still don't have water or electricity."

Link

January 7, 2009 11:59 am
Our family had to leave the house on a very short notice.

Haitham: "Our family had to leave the house on a very short notice. We were not able to take anything with us. Now we need blankets and medicine and fuel and ... "

Link

January 7, 2009 11:48 am
It is quieter today ...

Reem: "It is quieter today, but still we cannot go out of our homes and we are still scared."

Link

January 7, 2009 11:43 am
Two nights ago ... the house was shaking from the bombing.

Ziad: "Two nights ago, we could need sleep everything in the house was shaking from the bombing. Last night was relatively quiet, but we still don't have electricity or water, and the situation is worsening. Last night I was wondering whether I will wake up the next morning, see the sun and live another new day."

Link

January 7, 2009 11:42 am
Today my parents and I went to our home ...

Fairouz: "Today my parents and I went to our home; we changed clothes and brought a few things. We will be staying away from our house because the places around it still may be bombarded anytime, so it is not safe to be there. The situation is deteriorating every day."

Link

January 7, 2009 11:40 am
The situation is better today ...

Derar: "The situation is better today, but it still feels like something might happen."

Link

January 6, 2009 2:36 pm
My family is alright.

Ziad: "My family is alright. We are tired physically and emotionally. We cannot go out of our home except for very short periods. We are cut off. But among family and friends, we are all helping each other. If one family makes bread, they share it with their neighbors. I really hope the war will end soon. I miss going to the university and walking around."

Link

January 6, 2009 2:34 pm
Last night at 3:20 a.m.

Fairouz: "Last night at 3:20 a.m. our neighbors informed us that buildings close to our home will be bombarded and that it wasn't safe for us to stay. We grabbed our ID cards, money and some bed covers and went to a nearby park where all the people were gathering. We had to call relatives and move in with them. The situation is really miserable. I was supposed to graduate and now we are left without electricity, water ... not even a house."

Link

January 6, 2009 2:27 pm
On the first day the attacks started, I was studying for my exams.

Derar: "On the first day the attacks started, I was studying for my exams. My family and I had to leave our home and go to southern Gaza. But after the incursion, the situation became more difficult and much more terrifying. The sound of the shelling is louder, the tanks are closer…. We don't have electricity and we don't have a lot of food. We have one meal a day in order to save food. I really want to use my experience as a journalism major to explain the situation to the rest of the world, but right now I want to help the injured."

Link

January 6, 2009 2:19 pm
We were staying at my aunt's house when the bombing started.

Nasser: "We were staying at my aunt's house when the bombing started. We couldn't sleep because it started at 11 p.m. and continued until 9 a.m. Now, we can't go out at all because the bombardment is so random. We are very tired of all of this. Every morning we pray to God that this war will end."

Link

January 6, 2009 2:13 pm
The situation is getting worse everyday.

Reem: "The situation is getting worse everyday. The fighting is getting closer to our home and the sound of the bombing is getting louder. We cannot get out of our home at all. Thankfully, my family is safe and we have electricity sometimes because we have a generator. But we try not to use it that often because we are afraid we might not have fuel later on."