Renewing Hope for Munira & Dr. Hasan's Family from Gaza

Organizer Note: (This Campaign is verified by Pali Liberation & Butterfly Effect Project)

Hello, I’m Munira El Najar, and I’ve created this GoFundMe to support my family in Gaza during this time of hardship. Due to GoFundMe's transfer policies, my dear friend Candice Valenzuela in the USA is listed as the beneficiary. Rest assured, every donation will go directly toward helping my family survive this crisis and rebuild our lives. Your support means more to us than words can express.

Our Story:

My name is Munira El Najar, and I am a mother and educator from Gaza, reaching out to you from the depths of despair. As the organizer of this fundraiser, I must share our heart-wrenching journey—a journey filled with love, loss, and the unwavering hope of a brighter future.

Once, our life was filled with laughter and dreams, but now, my children endure the harsh reality of hunger and fear. Each day, they awaken not to the promise of education, but to the gnawing ache of an empty stomach, longing for food, clean water, and the medications they desperately need.

I reach out to you not just for assistance, but to invite you to stand with us in this battle for survival. Together, we can ignite a flicker of hope in our lives and help my children reclaim their dreams in a world that feels increasingly dark.

On December 25th, 2023, we faced the unthinkable. Forced to flee our home amidst relentless shelling, our lives were uprooted, our dreams shattered. Since then, we have been displaced more than five times, seeking safety in places like Rafah, Deir al-Balah, and Nuseirat refugee camps).

Allow me to introduce you to my family, the heart and soul of my existence. We are six members: my husband, Dr. Hassan Al Qatrawy, whose strength and love keep us going; my beloved daughter Lamis, a bright light in our lives; and my beautiful sons, Ali, Mohammad, and Aboud, whose laughter used to fill our home with joy. We once lived a beautiful, successful life, filled with love and countless cherished moments. We celebrated achievements together, dreamed of a brighter future, and felt safe in each other's arms.

Dr. Hassan Al Qatrawy, PHD holder in Psychology and a former university lecturer at Al-Aqsa University—a place that has been completely destroyed, leaving him without a job. Despite these challenges, he is also a celebrated novelist, with two novels and numerous works published in prestigious literary magazines worldwide.

I am Munira El Najar, English Language teacher , and I feel as if I've lost my voice, my purpose. Before my classroom was more than a place for learning—it was a refuge, where my students found laughter, hope, and a reminder that they mattered.

Now, that sanctuary is gone. My school lies in ruins, classrooms turned into shelters for those who’ve lost everything. The lively chatter has been replaced by silence, and the dreams I nurtured lie buried under debris.

As I stand in the wreckage, I’m left wondering: will I ever return to the calling that once gave my life meaning? Amid the sorrow, I cling to a flicker of hope that someday, I’ll reclaim my place as a teacher, offering light to those who need it most.

My struggles run deeper: I’m battling worsening hypothyroidism and heart palpitations under the constant terror of war. Each day, I feel my body weaken as I fight to keep my family strong. Medication is slipping out of reach, and medical care feels like an impossible hope.

My beloved son, Ali, is just 17 years old, yet he carries a heart full of dreams. From a young age, he has been deeply passionate about mathematics and technology. I’ve watched him work tirelessly, nurturing his dream of becoming a computer programmer. His dedication has always filled me with pride.

But now, as he stands on the brink of finishing high school, the path ahead is shrouded in uncertainty. With no schools or educational institutions available for him to continue his studies, I can’t help but worry about the future he envisioned so brightly. My heart aches for him, for the dreams he has cherished, and for the opportunities that feel just out of reach. He deserves so much more, and I wish I could give him the world.

My precious Ali, once bursting with youthful energy and dreams of a brighter future, now carries the heavy burden of pain that no child should ever have to bear. The joy that once filled his heart has been overshadowed by a relentless ache in his stomach, a constant reminder of the horrors he has faced.

Each day, Ali wakes to the cruel embrace of exhaustion, his body weakened by the unyielding grip of illness. The laughter that once rang out like a sweet melody has faded into silence, replaced by the harsh reality of his condition. He has been robbed of the simple pleasures of childhood—the freedom to play and explore like other boys his age, to dream without fear, to just be a child.

But it’s not only his body that suffers; it’s his very spirit that bears the scars of all that he has endured. The yellowing of his face and the strange blisters and bumps that mar his skin serve as haunting reminders of the pain he faces with each passing moment.

And now, as if fate itself were not satisfied with his suffering, Ali has been struck down by the merciless grip of hepatitis A. This insidious disease, contracted from unclean water and canned food, has ravaged his fragile body even further, leaving him teetering on the brink of despair. My heart aches for him as I watch my beloved son fight battles that no child should ever have to face.

My beloved daughter Lamis, just 14 years old, is a bright and cherished girl who once filled our home with her laughter and dreams. She loves studying, reading, and singing, just like any other girl her age. Before everything changed, she lived a beautiful life, full of hope and joy.

But now, those days seem like a distant memory, overshadowed by the constant fear, hunger, and the terrifying sounds of bombings that echo around us.

Lamis has always dreamed of becoming a dentist, a goal she eagerly prepared for. She was ready to embrace 8th grade, taking the steps toward her future. Yet, with all educational institutions in Gaza reduced to rubble, she has been deprived of her education for an entire year. The bright spark that once shone in her eyes has been extinguished, leaving her future hanging in the balance, uncertain and filled with despair.

As her mother, my heart breaks every day as I watch my precious girl struggle. The anxiety and fear have transformed her; she has become increasingly nervous and angry, emotions I can hardly bear to witness. It tears me apart to see her spirit weighed down by the heaviness of our reality. I long to comfort her, to reassure her that everything will be okay, but the truth is that I feel helpless in the face of such suffering.

I wish for nothing more than to see her smile again, to hear her laughter ring out like it used to, and to watch her chase her dreams with the same passion she once had. Each day, I pray for her happiness, for the chance to reclaim the life she once knew—a life filled with possibilities, where her dreams could flourish, and her spirit could soar.

My dear son Mohammed, just 12 years old, is a bright light in my life, lovingly nicknamed "Newton" for his incredible mind. He has always amazed us with his talent and curiosity, and his teachers celebrated him for his hard work. But it’s not just his intelligence that sets him apart; it’s the compassion he holds within him and the dream he nurtures every day.

Mohammed dreams of becoming a surgeon, driven by a deep desire to help the people of Gaza. He envisions himself in a hospital, bringing relief and hope to those in pain. But now, as I look around at the ruins of his school, I feel the weight of his dreams slipping away, replaced by a silence that breaks my heart.

Each day, I see the worry in his eyes as he faces a world filled with uncertainty. The laughter that once filled our home has been replaced by a heavy stillness. He longs for the education that has been taken from him, the lessons and friendships that now feel like distant memories. It pains me to witness his frustration, knowing how much he deserves to learn and grow.

As his mother, it breaks my heart to see him carry such a heavy burden. I want nothing more than for him to feel joy and to chase his dreams with the passion he once had. I wish for him to embrace his future, but the struggles we face cast a long shadow over his spirit.

I dream of the day he can wear that white coat, standing proud as he helps others heal. My heart aches for him, and I hold onto the hope that he will find a way to believe in himself again. All I want is for my son to see that there is still a future waiting for him, filled with possibilities, even in the darkest of times.

Abood, our precious 3-year-old boy, his spirit embodies the innocence and resilience of childhood. His laughter used to fill our home with joy, but now it feels distant. Each passing day, he clings to me, seeking comfort from the fears that linger in our nights.

But amidst the chaos and fear, Abood still dreams of simple pleasures—of playing freely in the safety of his own home, surrounded by his beloved toys. His eyes light up with hope at the mere mention of an apple, a rare treat that symbolizes a world beyond the confines of their harsh reality.

Yet, the price of that simple pleasure is unimaginable—a staggering $10 for just one apple. It's a cruel reminder of the scarcity that defines our existence, of the hunger that gnaws at their stomachs and the desperation that grips their hearts.

For Abood and his brothers, malnutrition is a painful reality. They’ve been without the nourishment they need for far too long, deprived of milk, fruit, and any healthy food. Their little bodies show the signs of hunger; their once-rosy cheeks are now pale and hollow from deprivation.

In the face of such hardship, Abood's plea for an apple cuts deep, echoing the longing in all their hearts for a return to normalcy. It's a cry for help—a desperate plea for the kindness and compassion of strangers who can offer a glimmer of hope in their darkest hour.

To make the situation worse, the period of displacement was in winter, and the tent was not safe at all when it rained, so some drops of rain would fall on them and it was not warm at all for my children.

When Abood heard the sound of thunder and the sound of rain hitting the tent’s, he would be terrified and would run to his parents and say that it was the sound of bombing! The family also suffers from the lack of a bathroom or even a shower. They can only shower once a month using a bucket due to the lack of water. The water is cold in the winter because there is no electricity or gas to heat the water.

Every morning, I wash my children's clothes with cold water and spread the clothes out in the open. If food is found, it is cooked on firewood and it is completely unhealthy and tastes bad because of the firewood.

In the tents, adjusting has been incredibly challenging. We lack essential items like food and medicine, and the constant fear of our surroundings weighs heavily on us. Life used to be filled with hope and dreams for the future, but now it feels like a never-ending nightmare where we are simply struggling to survive each day.

My family never imagined their lives would be like this. They had a beautiful, quiet life in Gaza with big dreams for our children, planning for a brilliant future. We both had a steady job and a stable income. There was a house with a roof to shelter us and a warm bed for the children, and all their needs were available, but the war deprived us of that.

The goal of this campaign is to provide us with the support we need to navigate through these challenges and forge a path towards rebuilding our lives.

How the Funds Will Be Used:

Right now, the top priority for my family is survival in Gaza.

With the extreme conditions, we are focusing on securing the basic necessities—food, water, hygiene products, and medicine—while also planning for the future evacuation of my family once it becomes possible.

1. Food: The prices of basic food items have soared to unimaginable levels. For example, a single tomato now costs $4, and one egg costs $3. With such extreme prices, even the simplest meals have become a luxury. Your support will help us purchase staples like rice, flour, and canned goods to ensure my family has enough to eat. We aim to provide as much nutritious food as possible, but the rising costs make it increasingly difficult. Every contribution makes a huge difference in helping us meet these essential needs.

2. Water: Clean water is increasingly scarce and expensive. We rely on bottled water, as most local sources are contaminated. The price of water has drastically increased, and we need a regular supply for drinking, cooking, and maintaining hygiene. Your donations help secure the lifeline of clean water for my family during these difficult times.

3. Hygiene Products: With the lack of clean water, maintaining hygiene is crucial to prevent illness. Prices for basic hygiene items have skyrocketed. For example, a single bottle of shampoo now costs around $60, whereas it was much cheaper before. Similarly, laundry detergent, which used to be affordable, is now selling for $100. In overcrowded living conditions, these essentials are vital for keeping my family clean and preventing the spread of disease. Your donations will help us afford these necessary items to ensure basic hygiene and health.

4. Medicine: Healthcare access is extremely limited, and prices for medications have risen sharply. I am suffering from hypothyroidism and rely on medication that is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain. Additionally, due to the harsh cold, poor living conditions, and the lack of sufficient and nutritious food, the children are frequently falling ill. We need to ensure a supply of essential medical items to keep the family healthy. Your donations will directly contribute to providing the medicine we desperately need.

5. Clothing: As the cold nights grow harsher, keeping my children warm has become my top priority. Winter clothing prices have skyrocketed; a good outfit for my son Aboud, which used to cost around $10, now ranges from $40 to $50. We also desperately need blankets to protect them from the cold. Your support will ensure that my children have the proper clothing and blankets to stay warm and healthy during these tough times.

6. Wood for Cooking: We use wood for cooking, but its prices have skyrocketed. Securing enough wood to prepare meals for my family is a growing challenge, and without it, we struggle to provide even the most basic nourishment. Your contributions will help us purchase this essential fuel, enabling us to cook the food we need for our survival.

7. Future Evacuation: While we are focused on basic survival now, we are also preparing for evacuation with Hala Agency. once the Rafah crossing reopens. We are planning for this future, but for now, your help with immediate needs is vital.

Due to the current situation in Gaza, there are significant challenges with direct bank transfers. As a result, the funds raised through this campaign will be sent to my trusted friend, Candice Valenzuela, in the USA. She will then help transfer the money to a family member account, ensuring that we receive the funds safely and can use them for our urgent needs. We deeply appreciate your understanding and continued support during these difficult times.

To follow our journey and connect with me personally, you can find me on Instagram at "munira_elnajar":

Instagram: munira_elnajar

Will You Be the Hope We Hold On To?

Thank you for opening your heart to our story. Your kindness is not just a donation—it’s a lifeline, a beacon of hope in our darkest moments.

With your help, we can begin to rebuild what’s been lost, and nurture the dreams we feared were gone forever.

Will you be part of our journey to restore hope?

With endless gratitude,

Munira El Najar and the family