Rebuilding Rozan's Hope: A Gaza Relief Fund

My name is Sierra Smith, and I am sharing this fundraiser to help a friend in Gaza continue to survive and support her family.

Rozan has been through so much since October 2023, losing family members, her home, and her sense of security and hope for the future. These are her words from when she started her fundraising efforts:

"My name is Rozan Fawaz Al-Najjar, and I humbly share my story as a Palestinian girl residing in the heart of Gaza City, where I am part of a family of 10 people, including 5 married sisters and 3 married brothers. At the age of twenty, I find myself navigating through the complexities of live in the midst of conflict, supported by a modest family of three, with my father sadly no longer with us.

Once, I cherished the opportunity to share the beauty of my life with friends and family through social media, capturing moments of joy and connection. However, as the tides of conflict swept over our lives, my posts have taken on a different tone, reflecting the harsh realities of war and the profound suffering endured by my community in Gaza.

In the past, I held aspirations and dreams close to my heart, eager to carve out a path of achievement and fulfillment. Yet, amidst the turmoil of ongoing conflict, those aspirations now seem distant and unattainable, overshadowed by the pressing need for survival and resilience.

The toll of this prolonged conflict has been staggering, stripping away not only material possessions but also the intangible treasures of family warmth, cherished friendships, and irreplaceable memories. Each passing day marks another chapter in our collective struggle, with more than 130 days of enduring hardship and uncertainty.

As prices soar and basic necessities become increasingly scarce, the weight of survival rests heavy on our shoulders, testing our resilience and resolve. In the face of such adversity, I find myself compelled to reach out for assistance, not only for myself but also for my family, striving to secure a livelihood amidst the chaos.

In sharing my story, I humbly appeal for empathy and support, recognizing the shared humanity that binds us all. May we stand together in solidarity, offering a helping hand to those in need, and may compassion and humility guide our actions as we navigate the turbulent waters of conflict and strife."

Rozan has moved from place to place, leaving her home in October 2023 and going south to Khan Yunis, staying in each place for at most a few months before being forced to evacuate. She and her family returned to see their home detroyed in late January of this year. In February, she struggled to find shelter through cold, rain, and hail storms. At that time, a new tent was over $1,000. In the past couple months, a bag of groceries have cost about $500. As all aid has been blocked again, as of early March, these prices may continue to increase. Rozan's mother suffers from high blood pressure and high heart rate, from fear and anxiety. I'm based in Seattle and I will send the funds raised here to Rozan to continue to buy food and medicine, as well as make repairs to her tent.

I am taking management of this fundraiser over from Jessica Vasquez and previously Renni Noor, who have done diligent work in helping us show up and bring support to Rozan and her family.