In the wake of Israel’s intensifying genocide that has killed almost 17,000 children in Gaza, the International Union of Women of Influence launched a global campaign to honor the nearly 60,000 children born in Gaza since October 7, 2023. 

Initiated by Dr. Jamile Alamolhoda, wife of the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the campaign revolves around the babies who have defied the odds by surviving under dire circumstances in Gaza, with UNICEF describing them as being “born into hell.” 

These children have been deprived of basic nutrients, medications, and access to healthcare under the siege in Gaza. The conditions have put mothers at risk of miscarriages, stillbirths, preterm labor, and maternal mortality.

Despite the trauma, mothers and babies in Gaza have remained steadfast as they cling on to the hope for life. The “Same as Moses” campaign celebrated this hope by drawing parallels to the story of Prophet Moses who, according to the scriptures, survived despite the Pharaoh’s orders to kill every male child born in Egypt.

Moses was raised in the very heart of the Pharaoh’s palace, and grew up to become the man who toppled the Pharaoh’s corrupt rule.

According to its website, the “Same as Moses” campaign focuses on harboring love and compassion, encouraging a future devoid of oppression and violence, particularly against women and children.

It also features worldwide celebrations dedicated to the children of Gaza at mosques, churches, temples, parks, and other public spaces. 

The celebrations include prayers for Gaza’s children, followed by games and activities relaying messages of solidarity and friendship, cheerful songs, storytelling, puppet shows, and a special initiative where the youth write letters of support for the children of Gaza. 

Parents were encouraged to take the pictures of the letters and drawings to share on social media with hashtags such as #Gaza_children_celebration, #Same_as_Moses, and #Your_life_matters.

In one example, 100 children from Franklin Delano Roosevelt National Elementary School in Caracas, Venezuela, held a celebration in honor of the children of Gaza. School students were waving balloons around a birthday cake for Gaza’s children, while sharing messages of love and solidarity for them.

In another post, 600 children in Caracas also joined the campaign, holding celebrations at the U.E.N. Miguel Antonio Caro school, portraying a simple yet powerful message for the children in Gaza.

Similar events were held in Jakarta, Tehran, and across Gaza itself, where campaign members provided essential baby items and other living necessities to displaced families. 

While the campaign is still in its initial phases, it seeks to expand into a larger movement in support of children living under dire conditions across the globe, aiming to “expand to a larger movement advocating for the rights and protection of vulnerable children globally.”