A dramatic reading, from the point of view of a pet left behind, that might be included in a service focusing on the violence in Gaza and the surrounding areas.

Wasim-the dog:

My name is Wasim, and I live in Palestine. My home and land where I live have been taken over by Israeli Settlers. My family had to leave quickly as their house was taken over. They did not even have time to empty the washing machine. They had no room to take me, and so I have been left behind, to live amongst the rubble scrounging for food wherever I can find it.

I had a loving caring family who took care of me, gave me food and water, but now I am treated poorly. Days often go by without having anything to eat, and sometimes I just eat the dust off the ground!

Sometimes I am kicked by the settlers as they realise, I was left behind by my owners and am not one of them!

At night, I try and shelter under the remains of what I previously called home. I can still smell the familiar scent of my family, but they are not there, and I feel alone, abandoned. I have tried to find them but found it difficult. However, I will not give up trying or lose hope and will continue to search for them until I find them. It may take me days, month or even years, but I know they will never forget me, as I will never forget them for the fun memories we had together will always live on in my heart.

Photo by Geoffrey Clarke, UK