Cats are my little family

In a house made of zinc sheets inGaza, Um Basher Al-Hartani lives with her two daughters, far from the rest ofher family in the south. Despite the hunger and cold, she gathers the catsaround the dining table, telling herself, "These are also my small family,who stayed with me."

Um Basher says, "I’ve loved catssince I was a child. I couldn’t stand seeing them hungry and doing nothing tohelp." Even during the war, she walks daily through the neighborhoods tofeed the cats with bread and mortadella bought from her small income. Shedreams of finding a group to provide food for the cats so she doesn't lose themtoo.

By her door, she’s set up a simpleshelter to protect the cats from the cold and cares for them, even when they’resick. With sadness, she says, "The cats come to me when I’m late, as ifthey feel my absence and want to check on me. If I lose them, I won’t be ableto bear it."

Her heart is heavy with longing. Heronly wish is for the war to end so she can hold her son and family again. Shesays, "I wanted to move south to see them, but I thought maybe there willbe a ceasefire, and they’ll all come back to me

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