Help Mahmoud Ajjour: A Brave Child Who Lost his Arms in Gaza

Dear friends,

This campaign is organized at the request of Mahmoud’s parents, who are doing everything they can to support their beloved son.

Mahmoud is a bright, innocent child from Gaza whose life changed forever when an Israeli airstrike hit hem. The explosion left Mahmoud with the unimaginable: the loss of both his arms.

He asked his mother to leave him behind, injured, and save herself and his younger sister, when he felt it might be his final moments. However, his mother refused and stayed by his side.

The first words Mahmoud said to his mother after regaining consciousness from the trauma were, 'How will I hug you?' "

Since that day, nothing has been the same.

Mahmoud cannot feed himself. He cannot use the bathroom alone. He cannot even scratch his face when it itches. Every small action most of us take for granted now requires someone else — usually his mother — to be by his side.

She bathes him. Dresses him. Wipes away his tears. And though she does it all with love, her heart breaks each day watching her child struggle with such basic needs.

Still, Mahmoud tries to smile. He dreams of playing like other kids, of one day being able to hug his family again.

In fact, a photo of Mahmoud — capturing the raw pain and silent strength in his eyes — was recently selected as the most powerful photo in the world out of over 60,000 submissions. That image moved hearts across the globe. But behind it is a child who still needs help.

We are raising funds to give Mahmoud a real chance at life:

After medical treatment in Qatar, he’s learning to use his feet to play games on his phone, write, and open doors — but for eating, dressing, and daily care, he still needs constant assistance.

His greatest wish is to live like any other child.

This fundraiser will directly help Mahmoud with:

• Assistive tools for eating, drining, dressing and playing

• Educational tools and school supplies

• Daily care tools to help him manage basic tasks

• Tuition fees. In the near future he will need to attend a private university to complete his higher education and achieve his dreams of becoming a journalist.

• A car for Mahmoud’s father, so he can safely transport Mahmoud to medical appointments, school, social activities, and places that support his mental well-being — helping to prevent depression and social isolation Help turn this moment of global attention into real, lasting support for Mahmoud.

Mahmoud cannot be left alone — not even for a moment. Both his mother and father stay home full-time to care for him. His mother tends to all his personal needs, while his father gave up working just to be by his side. The family has no stable income, but they never leave Mahmoud alone. Their love is his constant support, but they urgently need help to continue caring for him

What Can Help Mahmoud Live with Dignity?

Here are some of the essential tools and devices your donations will help provide:

• Adaptive eating tools – such as utensils with arm straps or head-mounted feeding aids.

• Custom hygiene tools – including bathroom aids, dressing sticks, and washing tools adapted for people with limb loss.

• Assistive technology for education – like voice-controlled devices, touchscreen tablets, or computers with special accessibility features so Mahmoud can learn and communicate easily.

• Wheelchair or supportive seating tools – if needed, to help with mobility and comfort during long days.

• Psychological therapy tools – toys, interactive programs, and professional support to help him cope with trauma and regain confidence.

These tools are not luxuries. For Mahmoud, they are his hands, his voice, and his independence. Your donation isn't just money — it’s the chance for Mahmoud to feel like a child again.

No child should ever have to suffer like this. No parent should have to watch their child go through such pain.

Your kindness can change everything for Mahmoud. Even a small donation can bring hope, dignity, and possibility back into his world.

Please help us give Mahmoud the future he deserves.

With deepest thanks,

Mahmoud’s parents

#HelpMahmoud #HopeForGaza #SupportChildrenOfWar #StandWithMahmoud #PhotoOfTheYear