By Feda Shtia
In the midst of war, where despair often dominates the narrative, the strength and resilience of children can shine as beacons of hope. This is the essence captured in “Gaza I Spy,” a photography book that chronicles the lives of Gaza’s children amidst the ongoing war. As the founder of Sunono Publishing and the author of this transformative book, I am Feda Shtia, and I am honored to share this journey with you.
The Heart of “Gaza I Spy”
“Gaza I Spy” is more than just a collection of photographs; it is a powerful testament to the indomitable spirit of Gaza’s youngest residents. Created in collaboration with talented Gaza-based photographers Anas Ayyad and Hammam Younis ALZyatuniya, the book features 200 striking images spread across 300 pages. Each photograph tells a story of resilience, courage, and hope, providing an intimate glimpse into the daily lives of children who navigate the harsh realities of war. We are currently raising funds via a Kickstarter campaign to bring these stories and images to the world.
A Unique Perspective: The Title’s Inspiration
The title “Gaza I Spy” draws from the classic children’s game “I Spy,” symbolizing a playful yet profound exploration of Gaza’s reality through the eyes of its children. This game’s concept of discovery and observation parallels our approach to highlighting moments of strength and hope that often go unnoticed amidst the chaos. Through this lens, we invite readers to see beyond the headlines and connect with the human stories at the heart of the war.
The Structure of the Book
Beyond its captivating visuals, “Gaza I Spy” integrates poignant captions alongside the photographs, featuring poetry and quotes from renowned Palestinian poets and other authors. This literary dimension adds depth to the visual narrative, enriching the reader’s engagement with each image. Additionally, an index at the end of the book provides thumbnail images with commentary, offering insights into where each photograph was taken and the context behind it.
A Mother’s Journey: A Personal Layer
Adding a deeply personal layer to “Gaza I Spy” is the journey of a brave Gaza mother, documented alongside her three daughters. Her photographs capture their desperate flight from one place to another, narrowly escaping death multiple times. Her powerful images bring a raw and emotional perspective to the book, emphasizing the human cost of the war and the unyielding spirit of survival.
I often feel awkward when people ask me, “Do you have family in Gaza?” Although I understand their concern, I sometimes want to scream and ask, “What difference does it make?” Instead, I explain that our team there is like family. Sabreen Albaz, a mother of three girls—Jihad (5), Sidal (4), and Mariam (2.5)—has become my sister from Gaza, sharing her daily life with me through photos and WhatsApp chats. She tells me how she sold her last ring to feed her daughters, how she fled from a UNRWA school shelter to a tent on the beach, and how that tent became a home rather than a picnic spot. Her experiences capture the transformation of Gaza’s beautiful beach into a place of refuge, starkly contrasting its intended joy and leisure.
Will the beach become a beach again for these children? Will schools bring the horror of Israeli missiles falling over their heads while they are sleeping? Will Sabreen get her rings back?
The Courage of Young Journalists
Anas Ayyad (25) and Hammam Younis ALZyatuniya (29) are not just photographers; they are courageous young journalists risking their lives daily to document the truth and the devastation in Gaza. These talented individuals often borrow equipment from friends or rent it, as they do not own their own cameras. My heart aches knowing that this week, their press tent was bombed by an Israeli drone. Humam shared with me, “Last night I gave my spot in the tent to someone else, then the strike came.” He narrowly escaped death.
Every day, as I ask Humam to capture photos for our book, a part of my heart breaks. Similarly, I lose a part of my heart when I ask Anas to revise the information on our Google Drive and ensure each photo is correctly captioned. Anas once told me, “I am in the street trying to catch a signal. I downloaded the document and will fill it offline, waiting for a better chance to upload it back.” How many of us will remain until “Gaza I Spy” sees the light of day? How many hearts will still beat?
Why a Coffee Table Book?
It is crucial to stand up as writers and publishers and produce work of true value. “Gaza I Spy” is not just another luxury book; it is a statement. We are tired of seeing expensive books featuring high-end fashion, jewelry, and the lives of the wealthy. It is time to highlight the most oppressed city on earth—a place where escaping death is a daily struggle.
The coffee table format of “Gaza I Spy” was chosen to amplify the visual impact of the photographs and foster reflection. The large, high-quality pages and elegant binding transform this book into a striking centerpiece. By presenting it this way, we create a meaningful connection between the reader and the stories of Gaza’s children, offering a powerful contrast to the often superficial contents of high-end publications.
Supporting a Greater Cause
“Gaza I Spy” is not just about raising awareness; it is about making a tangible difference. All proceeds from the book will be donated to support children in Gaza, providing essential aid and resources. This non-profit initiative aligns with the values of social justice and meaningful action, making every purchase a step toward supporting those in need.
Join Us on This Journey
We are preparing to launch our Kickstarter campaign to bring “Gaza I Spy” to life. Your support will help us finalize production, ensure high-quality printing, and distribute this important work worldwide. Stay tuned for our campaign launch next week, and join us in spreading the message of resilience and hope.
More Than A Book
“Gaza I Spy” is more than a book; it is a beacon of hope and a call to action. By supporting this project by donating to our Kickstarter campaign, you are not only witnessing the strength of Gaza’s children but also contributing to their future. Together, we can amplify their voices and make a lasting impact.
Feda Shtia is the founder of Sunono Publishing and the author of “Gaza I Spy,” a photography book capturing the resilience of Gaza’s children amidst war. Passionate about storytelling and social justice, Feda aims to amplify marginalized voices through her work. You can follow her on Twitter (X), Instagram and Facebook.
