How Isabella and Zobia's Love for Music Changed Lives in Gaza

A shared passion becomes a project

When Isabella and Zobia first joined an Ámaxa cohort, they knew they wanted to do something meaningful — but they weren't sure what form it would take. Both had been playing music since childhood, and it wasn't long before they realized their instruments could be more than a hobby.

Their project, which they called Sounds for Gaza, brought together musicians from across three countries to record and release an album, with all proceeds going directly to a Gaza-based partner nonprofit. Within their first month, they had recruited twelve musicians and set a release date.

What they built — and what they learned

The logistics were harder than either of them expected. Coordinating recording sessions across time zones meant early mornings and late nights. But Isabella says the challenge made the work feel real: "We weren't just raising awareness. We were actually building something that had to work."

By the end of their cohort, Sounds for Gaza had raised over $4,000 — enough to fund three months of music lessons for children displaced by conflict. Zobia credits their Ámaxa coach for keeping them focused when the scope felt overwhelming: "She reminded us that one good thing, done well, is more powerful than ten things done halfway."