Support for Rasha and Her Children in Gaza

Hi,

My name is Ariel Collins and I live in Portland, OR. I started this gofundme for Rasha, a mother with four young children in Gaza, whom I’ve had the honor to get to know over the past several months. Please read her story below.

Rasha:

My family has suffered greatly from this siege and our situation has reached the point of begging people to meet the needs of my children. I am Rasha Abu Jarir from Gaza, a mother of four children: Moaz, Saba, Abdullah, and Hoor. At the beginning of the war, I was living in a house with my children and we faced a difficult financial crisis because prices skyrocketed and I became unable to meet the needs of my four children. It was hard for me to see my children ask me for something basic and not be able to provide it for them. I used to work in a bakery, which was bombed, causing me to completely stop working. The situation at home deteriorated significantly. I turned to people of goodwill for help, but the circumstances of the war did not allow anyone to assist. It was a difficult time for everyone. My family started relying on external aid. However, with the complete closure of the crossing, the aid was completely cut off, and our situation deteriorated to the point of famine.

Now I appeal to the compassionate hands to stand by my side to build a future for my children. My son Moaz was happy to enter first grade at the beginning of the war, but now he has been out of school for almost a year. Also, my daughter Saba was very happy to start preschool. I am very worried, as the situation has reached a point where my children are prevented from going to their schools and playing with their friends. What is the fault of these children to be deprived of their right to education and study?

I also have my children, Abdullah and Hoor, who are in need of special care. They are both under the age of three and require diapers, milk, clean drinking water, and a safe shelter. The difficult conditions of war have forced everyone to adapt to the bad circumstances and harsh environment here.

In the middle of the war, the occupation told us to evacuate the house, and my children went through an unforgettable difficult phase of fear, anxiety, and psychological disturbance from the sound of rockets and shells. I left my home feeling sad, wondering where we would go, as there was no place other than this. The war has humiliated us greatly, and now we are displaced in an area that is not even suitable for living. My children are suffering from malnutrition due to the lack of basic necessities.

Funds will be used for basic necessities, including food, diapers, toiletries, tents or other needs for shelter etc.

I appeal to those with compassionate hearts to stand by me and support me in building a future for my children and myself. I have lost my home and everything I own, and my children have lost their opportunity for education. We are also suffering from a lack of all basic resources due to the disruption of life here in Gaza. I now need a sum of money to help us rebuild our future and open the door of hope for us. I thank everyone who has contributed and will contribute to bringing back life for my children and me.