"To Alef, the letter that begins the alphabets of both Arabic and Hebrew - two Semitic languages, sisters for centuries. May we find the language that takes us to the only home there is - one another's hearts."

Ibtisam Barakat provides a stunning portrait of what refugee children and families endure in the middle of war. Her story is one of many thousands and reminds us that the important parts of our lives are all the same, regardless of our race, religion, country, or creed. Never once does she blame Israel for the fear and terror that made a home in her young heart. We can all learn a great deal from Ibtisam and her experiences. Stories are what teach us to love the world and those in it. Ibtisam's is an important one.