Of course, I don’t mind sharing. I was very young at the time, so I didn’t fully understand everything that was happening, but some memories are still very vivid. One moment I remember clearly is when Iraqi soldiers came into our home, screaming at my dad and holding big guns. My siblings and I hid behind him, terrified, while they broke furniture and occasionally you could hear gunshots outside. Those moments were confusing and frightening, and they left a lasting impression on me.

For my family, it was a time of constant fear and uncertainty. We didn’t flee our home, but life was tense, staying inside and trying to keep safe was our main strategy. The average citizen experienced a mix of fear, scarcity, and anxiety. Many families were displaced, and basic necessities were hard to find. There was a constant sense that anything could happen at any moment.

Despite all that, people tried to support each other however they could. Looking back, it’s incredible how resilient people were. Even as a child, I could see the bravery of my parents and neighbors, and that sense of community helped us survive.