Help Evacuate My Family from War-Torn Gaza

Dear friends,

My name is Nour Alsaqqa. I am a Palestinian from Gaza currently living in Ireland. Today, I reach out to you with a weight on my heart, carrying both burdens and aspirations.

My family has been enduring unimaginable hardships amidst the ongoing war in Gaza. My family has been forced to flee their home, becoming displaced, and uprooted from everything they once knew. The relentless bombing forced them to be displaced many times. The unforgiving winter conditions only make their situation worse as the environment they live in is no different to living in a dumpster because of the piles of garbage and overflow of sewage as seen in the pictures. They have seen their lives turned upside down, with each passing day bringing new challenges and obstacles. Everyday, they grapple with the harsh realities of displacement, uncertainty, fear, and despair.

My family trapped in Gaza consists of my father (Khalil), mother (Nissreen), older brother (Ahmed), and younger sister (Nada). While all my family members have been stripped away from stability and security, the most critical situation we face is that of my father. At 62 years old, my father, Khalil, suffers from critical health issues, including chronic high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes. The lack of essential medications in Gaza puts his life in constant danger. Despite his efforts, he often cannot find the medications he desperately needs, forcing him to resort to alternative treatments that only worsen his condition, causing serious side effects. In addition, the severe lack of food supply means that he no longer can choose the type of food he can eat to regulate his sugar intake. As a result, his diabetes is worsening, and medical complications are beginning to arise in his body. With each passing day, the situation grows more dire. It pains me to see my father's health deteriorate before my eyes, knowing that the resources he needs to survive are out of reach in our war-torn homeland. That's why I'm reaching out to you today, humbly asking for your support in evacuating my family from Gaza to safety.

Both my mother, Nissreen, and older brother, Ahmed, hold distinguished Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting, exemplifying their dedication to academic achievement and professional proficiency. However, since the war erupted, my family has seen all their achievements and livelihood destroyed. The economic collapse and displacement have left my family without any sources of income and desperately struggling for survival. Basic necessities like food, water, and shelter have become scarce commodities, leaving my family overwhelmed to provide for themselves despite all of their dedication and hard work before the chaos and devastation of war.

Meanwhile, my younger sister, Nada, fueled by an innate passion for technology from a young age, possesses a remarkable academic record. She is an alumna of the esteemed international exchange program, TECHGirls, and was in her third year pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in Gaza. However, the outbreak of war abruptly halted her educational journey in the middle of it, leaving her dreams of academic and professional advancement at risk. Despite her undeniable talent and drive, she is now unable to fulfill her aspirations within the confines of Gaza’s chaotic and destructive environment especially that all universities have been destroyed.

As for myself, I witnessed more than four months of unimaginable hardships in Gaza, before I managed to escape this relentless war and flee to Ireland. My possession of a residence permit in Ireland was a lifeline for me. With this permit, I embarked on a journey to Ireland, seeking a chance at a better life. Upon arriving in Ireland, I found solace in the presence of my younger brother, Mohammed, who had been fortunate enough to secure a fully funded scholarship for his master's studies just one month before the war erupted. Yet, even as I endeavor to rebuild my shattered life, my heart and thoughts remain with my family who is still trapped in Gaza amidst the chaos of war and the relentless cycle of violence and uncertainty, their lives hanging in the balance with each passing moment. After more than 5 months of war, my family has completely lost their sense of security. Every day is a struggle for survival, marked by fear, hunger, and despair.

Despite the darkness that surrounds us, we refuse to lose hope and let despair consume us entirely. That's why I've decided to reach out to you for support during this extremely challenging time. Your kindness can make a world of difference for us as we strive to survive and rebuild our shattered lives.

Here's how your generous contributions will be utilized:

Thank you for standing with us in solidarity and for offering a glimmer of hope in our darkest times.

With sincere gratitude,

Nour