Before the War: Building Dreams in Gaza
Gaza has always been a place of resilience, where families, despite all odds, nurture dreams, build futures, and create a sense of normalcy amidst challenges. My name is Alaa Hamdouna, and for years, I was a teacher dedicated to inspiring young minds in my community. Teaching was more than a job it was my passion, a way to instill hope in children who saw a world beyond the conflict.
My brother, an ambitious and talented engineer, was a beacon of determination in our family. He worked tirelessly, dreaming of the day he could open his own office and contribute to the rebuilding of our beloved Gaza. Together, we symbolized the hope that many families in Gaza shared a hope that despite the challenges, progress was possible.
Our family of ten had a modest but joyful life. Our days were filled with laughter, shared meals, and stories that strengthened our bond. Every member of our family played a role in building our future. My parents, though elderly, were our moral compass, always encouraging us to strive for better. My children grew up surrounded by love, their eyes sparkling with dreams of a future where they could thrive.
While life in Gaza was never easy, it was home. It was where our memories were made, our dreams nurtured, and our roots deeply planted. Little did we know that everything we had worked for, everything we had loved, was about to be taken from us in an instant.
The War: A Day That Change Everything
On October 7th, 2024, the world as we knew it crumbled. The sound of explosions shattered the quiet of our neighborhood. Panic and fear swept through the streets as families scrambled to find safety. In a matter of hours, our home a sanctuary filled with love and memories was reduced to rubble. The very walls that had sheltered us for years lay in ruins.
The war forced us to flee with nothing but the clothes on our backs. We became wanderers in our own land, moving from one unsafe location to another. Each place we sought refuge felt more precarious than the last. The constant fear of the unknown became a harsh reality.
As the days turned into weeks, the basic necessities of life became a luxury. Food and clean water were scarce. Medicines for my elderly parents, who relied on them for chronic conditions, were impossible to find. My children cried from hunger and fear, their once-bright eyes now filled with confusion and sorrow.
Our family now resides in a makeshift tent. It offers no protection from the harsh elements, no sense of security, and no semblance of a home. The tent is a daily reminder of how much we have lost. Despite our efforts to maintain hope, the weight of our circumstances presses down on us.
After the War: A Plea For Help
Our lives today are a stark contrast to what they once were. Every day is a battle for survival. We wake up to the sounds of despair and uncertainty, with no clear path forward. My work as a teacher, which once brought me immense joy, has come to a halt. My brother, whose dreams of becoming an engineer fueled his every step, can no longer pursue his passion.
Our children suffer the most. They are too young to understand the complexities of war, yet they bear its harshest consequences. They miss the comfort of a stable home, the warmth of their beds, and the carefree days of their childhood. As a mother, it breaks my heart to see their dreams replaced with fear.
Our goal is to raise €60,000 to secure permits and safe passage to Egypt. This amount is crucial to ensuring that we can leave Gaza and begin anew. It will provide for the permits, basic necessities, and the foundation to rebuild our lives.
Why We Need Your Help
We are sharing our story because we cannot overcome this alone. Your support can make a profound difference in our lives. Here’s how your contribution will be used:
Safe Evacuation: Ensuring we secure the permits needed to leave Gaza and start a new chapter in Egypt.
Basic Necessities: Providing food, water, and medical supplies for my children and elderly parents.
Rebuilding Lives: Helping us find stable housing and enabling my brother to pursue his engineering career and me to continue teaching.
Your generosity will not only save our family but also give us the chance to contribute meaningfully to society once again.
Hope for the Future
Despite everything, we remain hopeful. Hope is what keeps us moving forward, even when the days are dark. We believe in the kindness of strangers, in the power of community, and in the strength of shared humanity.
Imagine what your support can do:
A mother seeing her children safe and well-fed.
A family rebuilding their home and their dreams.
A teacher inspiring students once again.
Join Us in Changing Lives
Your contribution no matter how small can help turn our story of despair into one of hope and possibility. By standing with us, you are affirming that no one should face such hardship alone. Together, we can rewrite this narrative and build a brighter future.
انا علاء حمدونه ، معلم من غزة كنت بعيش حياة بسيطة، بس مليانة فرح. أخوي كان مهندس طموح، ومع بعض كنا بنبني أحلامنا رغم التحديات اللي بنعيشها في غزة.
في 7 أكتوبر 2024، كل شي تغيّر بسبب الحرب. بيتنا تدمر، واضطرينا نترك كل شي ونهرب بدون أي حاجة. حالياً عايشين بخيمة بسيطة، وكل يوم بنعاني عشان نلاقي أكل، ميّة، وأمان. أهلي الكبار في السن ما عندهم أدوية أو علاج، وأولادي عايشين بخوف، طفولتهم ضاعت بسبب الحرب.
هدفنا نجمع 60,000 يورو عشان نقدر نأمن تصاريح خروج من غزة ونسافر على مصر، وهناك نقدر نبدأ حياتنا من جديد. الفلوس حتتخصص لتكاليف السفر، الاحتياجات الأساسية، وبناء مستقبل جديد.
رغم كل الخسارة اللي مرّينا فيها، لسه عندي أمل. ببحث عن قلوب طيبة تساعدنا عشان نحول اليأس لقصة بقاء وتجديد