Donate to save lives

My name is Shorouq Al-Qita'a, I am a 26-year-old graphic designer from Gaza. For years, I built my career and took pride in my work, but when the war began 11 months ago, everything changed. I lost my ability to work, and for almost a year, I had no phone or internet to connect with the outside world. Now, for the first time, I am able to reach out and share my story with you.

The war here is not just something we hear about in the news—it is a brutal reality that my family and I live every day. We are seven people trapped in a conflict that has torn apart our lives and stolen our sense of safety. The sound of bombs and the sight of destruction are constants, and our children are growing up in a world where fear overshadows their dreams.

All I want is to escape this nightmare and find a safe place for my family. However, escaping Gaza requires more than just hope—it requires financial support that we cannot afford. That’s why I am launching this fundraiser, something I have never done before, with the hope that it can make a difference.

We are aiming to raise €100,000, and I want to clarify how this amount will be used. The money will help cover the costs of:

- **Travel and relocation:** We plan to leave Gaza through Egypt, travel to Turkey, and settle there. This will involve multiple stages of travel, visa applications, and navigating the complexities of moving between countries during such a difficult time.

- **Living costs:** Since Turkey is new to us, we will need funds to cover living expenses during the initial period of settling down. We have no connections there, so we will rely entirely on these funds for rent, food, and basic needs while we find our footing.

- **Rebuilding my career:** As a graphic designer, I need to purchase a new computer to resume my work. My previous equipment was lost, and this new start would allow me to continue supporting my family through my profession.

This is not just about survival; it’s about giving my family, especially the children, a chance to live in peace and rebuild our lives in a safe place. We hope to create a stable foundation for our future, but we need your help to make that possible.

I know that the challenges of the world can sometimes make us feel distant from one another, but I ask you to remember that we are real people—just like you—who are trying to survive. Your donation, no matter how small, can help us escape and give us a chance to live free from war and fear.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your kindness and generosity could be the difference between life and death for my family.

With heartfelt gratitude,

**Shorouq Al-Qita'a**

Gaza