My Journey with Respond Crisis Translation
By Athar Abu Samra
My journey with Respond Crisis Translation began after I graduated with a degree in English Translation in Gaza. I had heard so much about Respond’s supportive and empowering environment through online platforms and translator communities, which made me eager to become part of their remarkable team—one that has since profoundly shaped both my professional and personal life.
From my very first day at Respond, I found myself surrounded by dedicated professionals, all striving to provide the highest level of support to people in need around the world. My work with Respond has been far more than a job—it has been a transformative journey that has allowed me to engage with diverse cultures and backgrounds, strengthen my skills, and broaden my worldview.
But because I am from Gaza, my path was never easy. Life in Gaza is painfully difficult. Since the beginning of the genocide in Gaza, I have lost loved ones in brutal attacks—an enduring sorrow that continues to shape both my personal and professional journey. I’ve spent long nights in solitude, my heart aching with fear and longing for my family and friends. Many of my friends from Gaza—talented and dedicated individuals—have been forced to stop working, not because of any personal failing, but simply because they are from Gaza, where daily life is paralyzed by bombardment, electricity blackouts, and communication shutdowns. I still see their faces in my mind, their eyes heavy with grief and frustration, and I feel helpless. This injustice is not only cruel; it strikes at the very core of our shared humanity. The heartbreak I feel for them is immense.
And the challenges didn’t stop there. Constant internet outages pushed many of my friends in Gaza—most of whom work online as freelancers—into deeper isolation. Connecting to the outside world became a rare miracle. They spent long hours waiting for the internet to return, trying desperately to complete their work. The lack of connectivity stole from them not only income, but also hope.
Then there was the nightmare of movement. Every step outside became a source of anxiety. Roads once full of life turned into paths of fear and danger. Reaching a safe place—or even just getting to work—became a terrifying risk. It often felt as though life itself had become a trap with no way out.
Today, I live in Egypt—far from my family and my beloved homeland. Yet my work with Respond has been a lifeline through these hardships. It has not only provided a source of income but also offered me a window into a more compassionate and just world. Respond gave me a sense of purpose, connection, and community.
The Arabic team at Respond holds a special place in my heart. Their support carried me through some of my hardest moments. With them, I never felt alone. I felt seen, appreciated, and uplifted. They became my second family.
Over time, I’ve come to realize that translation is not merely about transferring words from one language to another—it’s about building bridges between hearts. It is a powerful tool for telling untold stories, giving voice to the voiceless, and connecting people through shared humanity. In moments of crisis, translation becomes an act of compassion and understanding.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity Respond gave me, and I am proud to play a part in such a meaningful mission. Their unwavering support helped me rise from pain and begin a new chapter—one filled with hope, resilience, and a vision for a better future.
