A Cry for Help Amidst the Devastation in Gaza

My name is Abdullah Hashem Al-Hajj. I am 25 years old, and like many in Gaza, my life has been turned upside down by the war. I graduated from high school full of hope and dreams of pursuing a university degree. But life had other plans. Due to the harsh circumstances my family faced, I had to set aside my academic ambitions. Instead, I joined my brother in the field of chemical manufacturing, quickly mastering the trade. This work became the backbone of our family’s livelihood, and through it, I was able to get married and start building a life of my own.

But everything changed with the outbreak of the war in Gaza. The relentless bombings destroyed not only our workplace but every hope and dream we had worked so hard to build. The factory—our source of income—was reduced to rubble. Without work, I struggled to provide for even the most basic necessities—food, water, and medical care—for my pregnant wife, who is expecting our first child. Soon, our baby will be born into a world of devastation and loss.

As the war intensified and the destruction reached our neighborhood, we were forced to flee to seek safety. We now live in a makeshift tent, a flimsy shelter that barely protects us from the heat of summer or the cold of winter. Life in the tent is unbearably hard, and survival has become a daily battle.

My youngest brother, Bilal, has also seen his dreams crushed by this war. Bilal, who recently graduated high school, has always dreamed of becoming a professional football player. He worked tirelessly to balance his education with his passion for football, hoping to one day play for a major football club. But now, our struggle to survive has made it impossible for him to pursue this dream. The war has destroyed not only homes and buildings but also ambitions, hopes, and futures.

Today, my family and I live among the ruins of what once was our life. Despite everything, we hold on to a glimmer of hope, praying for peace and for a chance to rebuild. For now, our only goal is survival. But deep inside, we still dream of a day when our lives will no longer be defined by war but by hope and opportunity.

How Your Donations Can Help:

Evacuating My Family of Six from Gaza: The cost of coordination and permits to leave Gaza is approximately $5,000 per person, totaling $30,000 for my entire family.

Securing Shelter and Initial Living Expenses in Egypt: Your support will help us find a safe and stable place to live in Egypt, covering rent and basic needs as we adjust to a new environment.

Overcoming the Economic Challenges of War: The siege on Gaza has caused severe shortages of food and water, skyrocketing prices, and immense hardships. Your kindness will help us secure necessities and start rebuilding our lives.

Your generosity can give my family a chance to escape the devastation, protect the next generation, and restore hope for a peaceful and dignified life. Thank you for standing with us during these incredibly difficult times.

Sincerely,

Abdullah Hashem Al-Hajj