I was forced to burn my books to survive in Gaza

The article vividly captures the author’s deep connection to books as a way of life for them and their family in Gaza. When their home library—filled with countless works on philosophy, religion, literature, and science—was destroyed during the siege, it was more than just a collection of knowledge: it symbolized resilience and hope. The author’s 11-year-old nephew Ahmed vividly conveyed the choice between starvation and illiteracy when his schoolbooks were burned. Despite losing everything, the author remains determined to rebuild their library, hoping to preserve their love for books as they work towards survival and a new beginning.