Reunited after two years: A holiday of hope in Gaza 

In Gaza, at least 19,000 children have been separated from their families—lost in the chaos of war and destroyed infrastructure. 

Two-year-old Fares* was one of them—until a compassionate partner like you helped him find his way home.  

A child lost in conflict 

In times of crisis, children are the most vulnerable.  

When conflict or natural disasters strike, families are forced to flee their homes, and—in the ensuing chaos—children can be separated from their families and loved ones. 

In the devastating conflict in Gaza, two-year-old Fares lost everything—his home, his peace and the only family he had. 

Separated from his father amid the violence, the toddler was alone, scared and struggling to survive unimaginable hardships—like hunger, violence and the daily threat of exploitation that unaccompanied children face in conflict zones. 

Finding safety with SOS Children’s Villages  

A local mosque Imam found Fares wandering alone and immediately connected him with SOS Children’s Villages, ensuring the little boy would be safe and loved while efforts to locate his family continued.  

Learn more about how we protect and care for children in emergencies. 

For nearly two years, Fares continued to grow up protected with Hidaya, his SOS caregiver. While Hidaya cared for Fares—providing the nutritious food, professional health care, education and everything else he needed to develop, grow and thrive—SOS staff never stopped their family tracing efforts. 

With a safe relationship with a nurturing, trusted adult, Fares began to heal from the trauma of war. But the question remained: where was his father? 

The search for family never stopped 

Working through the grueling challenges of living in a conflict zone—destroyed homes, displaced families, broken communication systems—SOS staff continued to search for Fares’ father with no success. 

Caring for children in crisis and pursuing family reunification in emergency settings requires patience, persistence and extensive networks. The SOS team in Palestine remained unwavering in their search for Fares’ family—coordinating with local and national authorities to locate any relatives.  

But in the ongoing emergency, where entire neighborhoods had been displaced, finding one person seemed impossible.  

Still, they never gave up hope.  

Hope restored: A father and son reunite 

One day, Fares needed urgent medical attention, and Hidaya immediately took him to the hospital so he could receive the care he needed. There, an SOS social worker connected with hospital staff to conduct another address search for any remaining family members.  

After many attempts, the hospital finally identified a possible address.  

Through careful coordination and verifying documentation that proved Fares’ father’s identity, SOS confirmed they had found Fares’ family! 

A week later, Fares’ father arrived at the camp for a heartwarming reunion—just in time for the holiday season.  

“Despite his young age, when Fares saw his father, he ran to him quickly, even though he had been lost since he was about two years old,” says Wissal Edwan, SOS project manager for unaccompanied and separated children. 

Supporting families after reunion 

Family reunification is a celebratory moment, but it’s just the beginning of a family’s healing. Families who have lived through the trauma of separation need ongoing support to rebuild their lives. 

Before leaving together, Fares and his father received comprehensive support from SOS, including nutrition supplement drinks, vegetables, summer and winter clothing, and other essential supplies—many of which are extremely difficult for families to access in Gaza. 

The team also provided critical post-reunification care, which includes economic support and psychosocial services to help Fares and his father process the trauma of conflict and separation and adjust to life together once again.  

This holistic approach ensures families and children like Fares have the strong foundation and support they need to build a bright, resilient future. 

Give the gift of love this holiday season  

This holiday season, hundreds of children are separated from their families—just like Fares was. They are alone, scared and wishing for the healing power of love.  They are crying out for someone to notice them, to care for them, to love them. 

These children deserve the safety of a home, the warmth of a family and the chance to heal and grow into a happy, healthy child.  

Will you be the one to answer their cry?  

Your charitable, year-end gift can transform a child’s life. Your donation, sponsorship or life-changing gift from our Gift Shop can provide what every child craves and deserves: the love and stability of a family.    

Because love matters.    

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*Child’s name changed to protect privacy.