Help me rebuilt my life during and after war – Ismail Abu Ha

Help me rebuilt my life during and after war – Ismail Abu Hatab

Hello, I'm Ismail Abu Hatab, a 32-year-old photojournalist, filmmaker, and director from Gaza. Since 2008, I've dedicated my life to telling my people's stories through my lens. I've worked with major international organizations, and in 2022, I achieved my lifelong dream by founding my own company. However, in one moment, everything changed.

On November 2, 2023, while working on a personal film documenting my city's struggles under intense bombardment, tragedy struck. I was on the 16th floor of Al-Ghafari Tower, capturing scenes of life amidst the destruction. At 11 a.m., a missile hit the building, turning my world upside down. I suffered a severe injury to my left leg, requiring the installation of a platinum device and leaving me unable to work for the past 10 months.

The physical pain was just the beginning. I lost everything I had built. My company, valued at $50,000, was reduced to ashes. My apartment, a lifelong dream that cost me $90,000, was completely destroyed. Nothing remains but rubble.

My ordeal continued as I was transferred to the Palestinian Red Crescent Hospital, where we endured a 15-day siege. I witnessed death daily. During this time, I also lost my brother-in-law, leaving behind his wife and children, whom I now support.

Today, after surgery to remove the platinum device, I am slowly recovering. However, my leg still requires another operation to fully heal. When the Rafah border opens, I want to be ready to travel for this operation, but I need financial support to cover the medical and travel costs.

Beyond my medical needs, I face overwhelming challenges: poverty, rising living costs, and housing expenses. Having lost everything—my equipment, my company, and my home—my goal now is to return to work with renewed strength. I need your support to purchase essential equipment and get back on my feet. This will help me seize new job opportunities and improve my living conditions.

Every contribution, no matter how small, will be a lifeline. It will aid my recovery, fund the necessary surgery, and help me purchase the tools I need to rebuild my career. With your help, I can return stronger and continue my mission of amplifying the voices of those often unheard.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank everyone who stands with me during this difficult time. Your support means everything to me. It will help me reclaim my life and prepare for the opportunities I've always envisioned.