Salsabil Alhadad

While attempting to gather the devastating aftermath caused to the citizens by Hurricane Daniel, I kept pretending to be strong all day long as I provided aid to the affected then return home tired and worn out only to realize that all my hidden feelings would turn into tears at the end of the day that deprived me of sleep too.

I am Salsabil Alhadad, an independent journalist and a human rights activist.

I took up responsibilities at a young age. I lived with my grandfather till I was ten years old. His room was a magical place to me. My personality was formed mainly through the books found in his room.

In 2016 I faced a rough phase in my social life, which left a psychological impact on me that harmed me and affected my life in ways that I always managed to conceal.

The college phase of my life was quite confusing, nevertheless, my strong desire to help people and make a difference in their lives motivated me to attend law school and engage in humanitarian activities.

When I heard about what the storm had done to the families in Derna, I joined the "Fezaat-Alhawa" campaign without hesitation, I helped the survivors by providing financial and in-kind aid including their right to appropriate housing. The campaign lasted for four months. I put all my efforts and emotions to save hundreds of Libyan and foreigner families whose lives had been destroyed by the Hurricane in Derna and Al Bayda.

I did not put myself nor my feelings first, I was working non-stop and saving all my feelings for another time since rescuing the survivors and their wellbeing was the only priority and my role was to restore hope! Only then I understood the meaning behind my suffering. It was a way of survival and an incentive to provide a lifeline to those in need. Life becomes easier when people unite and realize the true value of a Human life and defending its rights.

Every night I think that if we all join hands to stop the tragedies and conflicts in this country that deprive us of our rights, we could have justice and be able to live in peace where no one will be wronged.