Editorial Letter

Resilience is the quiet strength to transform pain into power, to rise from the rubble and rebuild.

As we brainstormed our next theme for the magazine, this image by Ramadan Abed began circulating across social media. More than simply inspiring, we were deeply moved—and shocked—by the unwavering spirit of the Palestinian people in Gaza. Their endurance in the face of unimaginable hardship stands as a powerful testament to human strength.

Palestinians make their way back to their homes in northern Gaza [Ramadan Abed/Reuters]

As the year has unfolded, we have witnessed so many other events that have profoundly shaken us. From the new deportation measures in the United States, which have sparked debates over human rights, to the ongoing military engagements in Ukraine, Syria and Lebanon; the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in Congo; the alarming rise in labor exploitation and water pollution in countries like Bangladesh and India due to the fast fashion industry; and the unprecedented fires in the Los Angeles area that have left thousands homeless.

In reflecting on these events, it became clear that the word resilience was not just a fitting theme but a necessary one. Each of these crises has highlighted the remarkable endurance of individuals and communities in the face of adversity. Despite the overwhelming challenges, there is an undeniable strength in how people continue to persevere, adapt, and rebuild.

Resilience is a concept so vast and multifaceted that no single editorial letter could ever fully capture its depth. As an editorial team of a fashion and arts publication, primarily composed of Mexican women, we feel a strong responsibility to use this platform to amplify the voices of artists, designers, and fashion creatives who are challenging the status quo. In this issue, we highlight innovative ethical fashion platforms that are paving the way for a more sustainable future. Artist Makan Negahban explores the powerful intersection of resilience and faith, delving into how belief in something greater fuels the human spirit in the face of adversity. Meanwhile, photographer and journalist Colin Delfosse takes us to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where resilience is evident in the ongoing battle against healthcare shortages, environmental destruction, and the exploitation of natural resources.

Photo Courtesy: Ahmad Mansour

For our cover story we feature the work of street photographer Ahmad Mansour, who shared with us a powerful image of a child emerging from a pond in rural Egypt. As Ahmad explains in his accompanying article, the image serves as a statement of humanity's ability to rise from any situation with strength and faith.

“The word resilience reminds me of a photo of my grandmother—someone who endured so much, yet always smiled.”

In this issue, we also explore resilience from a creative perspective. For artist Eliana Golomb, resilience means staying committed to her artistic vision, even in the face of self-doubt and setbacks. Her journey reflects the strength to persevere through challenges while remaining true to one’s purpose.

At We The Cool Magazine, we celebrate creativity in all its forms and believe that these expressions hold power beyond aesthetics. They capture the essence of struggles, strength, and survival. In a world fraught with crises, we are reminded that art is not only a means of self-expression but also a tool for raising awareness and fostering empathy. We hope the stories shared in this issue inspire reflection and action, reminding us all of the unbreakable human spirit and the transformative power of art to connect us in our shared humanity. We hope this issue leaves you inspired to reflect, to create, and to see resilience not just in grand gestures but in the quiet, everyday acts of strength that shape our world.

Best,

We The Cool