From war to hope: my family’s new beginning

Hi everyone, this is Murielle. I’m fundraising on behalf of my dear friend Mays whose family has been forced to leave Gaza due to the genocide (with the exception of her brother who has not yet been able to evacuate). Please take some time to read her story and donate if you can. With your help, she will be able to house her family in Belgrade, get her pregnant sister the medical attention she needs, and put the kids in school. No amount is too small!

Here is her story:

My name is Mays, a 30-year-old Palestinian woman. Four years ago, after 3 wars and many dangerous escalations of Palestinian-Israeli conflict in Gaza, I was lucky enough to move out from Gaza to study and settle down in Serbia. I am reaching out to share a story that reflects the journey of my family as they navigated the current destroying war on Gaza and emerged to the hope in Serbia. I am so thankful for this.

By the name of my family I am saying “In a world shadowed by tragedy, we are seeking your kindness to help us write a new chapter. Your generosity can provide not only financial aid but also the vital emotional support needed to navigate this journey of resilience.

Now, those who could escape are safe in Serbia (in total 13 family members, among them 5 children between 2 and 10 years old) after 85 days of horror, surviving bombing of their houses and relocating more than 7 times in the last 3 months. Miraculously, they emerged from under the rubble, survivors in search for a “safer” place and they were bare of basic necessities, not to mention the access to food, water or electricity. My family said to me “Unable to salvage any of our belongings, we lost everything we owned. The destruction was all-encompassing, leaving us grappling with the aftermath”. Eventually, they could flee to Serbia and currently they are safe.

Unfortunately, my oldest brother is still trapped in Gaza and not able to escape the ongoing turmoil, far from his children and his wife who managed to come to Serbia.

Among my family members are my elderly parents battling chronic illnesses. My mother is unable to walk, and above that she is a diabetic and my father, has suffered a stroke just at the beginning of the war, which added to the challenges my family had to overcome when still in Gaza.

Five children in our family, along with thousands Gazan children, are being deprived of education and care due to the war that intensified our struggle. It was in this bleak moment that we decided to turn the page and start anew.

I am writing to you with the hope of sharing our story, where compassionate hearts can come together to support my family's quest for a fresh start. Our dream is not just about rebuilding walls; it's about reconstructing lives, creating opportunities for work and study, and establishing a foundation for a brighter future.

You can be part of our village. By joining hands in this effort, we demonstrate the power of global solidarity and compassion. Together, we can make a difference to secure their immediate needs for the next 4 -6 months, their humanitarian visas, and ensure access to healthcare within the public health system.

Here's where your contribution will go:

• Residency application fees: 300 USD * 13 family members,

• Cover family expenses for the expected next six months including : rent homes for 4 families (350 USD * 4= 1400 USD monthly ),

• Health care and medical expense for elderly , pregnant woman , 5 kids and adults till they are able to find jobs : 50 USD per month * 14 family members ,

• Living essentials like food , clothes vouchers : 10000 USD for the next 4 -6 months,

• Engage kids in schools and Serbian language courses to continue their education: five kids * 600 USD.

My family's strength lies in unity, and with your support, we can rise from the ashes and rebuild our lives, turning despair into hope, and war-torn dreams into a future filled with promise.

We extend our deepest gratitude for your consideration and support. Your kindness will bring light into the lives of those who have endured darkness for far too long.

Warm regards,

Mays