Help Aya survive and get out of Gaza

Hello, my name is Aya Ashour. I am a lawyer, human rights activist, and advocate for women’s and children’s rights. I am reaching out to you one year after the war, asking for urgent help to ensure the survival of my family during the genocide we are enduring in Gaza.

Once again, I am Aya Ashour, 23 years old. My family and I have been displaced for the sixth time, now living in Mawasi, Khan Younis. While trying to rebuild our lives, I’m also working to support my community and provide for my family as the eldest sibling, responsible for my three sisters, four brothers, and my parents. It’s a huge challenge, especially given the catastrophic conditions we’re living in. I am doing everything I can to financially support my family.

Since the war began, I have spared no effort in helping my people. I have worked under bombardment and came close to losing my life more than once, all to bring a smile to a child’s face or to assist a pregnant woman or a sick person in need of medicine. I’ve moved between shelters and camps, working in kitchens to provide meals for displaced families, all while living with my own family in these same harsh conditions.

Despite my efforts and attempts to keep going, my family of 10, including 4 young children—one of whom is my 3-year-old sister, Rola—are still living in a tent in Mawasi, Khan Younis. As we approach winter, the situation is becoming even more dire, as the fabric tents we live in offer no protection from the cold or rain. On top of that, the rising cost of living, expensive food, and the struggle to find clean water make it incredibly difficult for me to provide for my family’s basic needs.

I am humbly asking for your help to support my family in a way that preserves their dignity. Living expenses here exceed $2,500 per month just to stay in a tent, and the rent for a decent house is over $1,800 per month. I am asking for your help to raise $10,000 so that my family and I can get through the winter and cover our living costs in a way that at least preserves our dignity and health.

Any small contribution can make a difference in the lives of my family, whom I am supporting alone. If you are unable to donate, please share my story, and I would be truly grateful for any help you can provide.