Children Spotlight of the Week: Bana al-Abed
Born on June 7, 2009, in Aleppo, Syria, Bana al-Abed is now 15 years old and remains an inspiring voice for peace, education, and the rights of children affected by war. Bana became globally recognized at just 7 years old for her brave tweets documenting life under siege during the Syrian conflict. Her account, @AlabedBana, managed with the help of her mother Fatemah, provided a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the devastating impact of war on children and families.
Through her posts, Bana shared the horrors of airstrikes, hunger, displacement, and the loss of her family home to an airstrike. Her poignant messages, which included heartfelt pleas for peace, captivated people around the world and highlighted the urgency of humanitarian aid.
In December 2016, Bana and her family were evacuated to Turkey, where she began a new chapter of her life. Despite the trauma of her experiences, she has used her voice to advocate for children affected by war. Her debut book, Dear World, published in 2017, provides a child’s-eye view of one of the most significant humanitarian crises of our time. The book has been translated into multiple languages and sold in over 17 countries, further amplifying her message.
Bana’s activism has not gone unnoticed. She has been honored with prestigious awards, including the 2018 Atlantic Council Freedom Award and recognition as a Rising Star at the Asian Awards in the same year. She has also delivered powerful speeches to influential audiences worldwide, including one to 1,500 policymakers and dignitaries in Dubai, emphasizing the need for education and support for refugee children.
Bana’s dream is simple yet profound: a world where every child can live in peace and has access to education. Her courage, resilience, and determination continue to inspire millions, proving that even in the face of adversity, one voice can make a difference.
Bana al-Abed is not just a survivor of war; she is a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the power of compassion and the importance of standing up for the rights of the most vulnerable.
