Help a young widow with a special needs child in Gaza

Dear friends,

My name is Farah Sultan, and I come from Rafah in Gaza. There was a time when I had a family, a home, and dreams for the future. My husband and I envisioned a promising life where our children could thrive in a safe environment and I could pursue my university studies. Our modest home was a sanctuary filled with love and hope. However, the relentless war has shattered my world into fragments I barely recognize.

One day that changed everything, our home was destroyed by a bomb. The explosion took my beloved husband’s life, leaving an irreplaceable void. The future we dreamed of together was violently ripped away, and now, the memories of our joyful times are eclipsed by the agony and devastation that followed.

Now, with just the clothes on our backs, I face the immense challenge of raising my son, who has Down Syndrome. His special needs require dedicated care and resources, which are scarce in the chaos of war. His innocent eyes seek comfort and answers I struggle to provide.

Moreover, I am pregnant with our second child. This child deserves a chance at life in a safe, loving environment, free from the shadows of fear and violence. Every day, I am haunted by concerns for the well-being and future of this unborn child, given the harsh realities we face.

With no home and nowhere safe to turn, we are left to survive amidst ruins. The constant danger and the scarcity of essentials turn each day into a relentless fight for survival. My aspirations to complete my education and provide a stable future for my children now seem like distant fantasies.

Each day begins with the sound of explosions and my children’s cries, each breaking my heart anew. My son’s beautiful smile and innocent gaze do not understand why his father will never return, why we sleep in cold, makeshift shelters, or why meals are sometimes missed.

Life in a war zone is a life of perpetual fear and uncertainty. Daily explosions remind us of the ever-present danger, and the cries of my children remind me of the innocence stolen by this cruel war. We have been deprived of our safety, our joy, and our hopes for a better life. The surrounding devastation is beyond comprehension, and every moment is a battle for survival.

I am not seeking luxury; I am pleading for a chance to survive—to secure a safe space where my children can rest without fear, to provide for their needs, and to offer them the future they deserve. With your support, we can find refuge, perhaps rebuild a home away from the violence, or I could even continue my education abroad to ensure my children's safety.

Your support could mean the difference between life and death for us. Your kindness can help rebuild our lives, offering my children the security they need and allowing me to chase my dreams once more. Please, consider helping us endure this war. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to safety and renewed hope.

With deepest gratitude,

Farah Sultan