The dream of journalist Motasem and his family

My name is Mo’tasem Mortaja, and this is my story:

I was born and raised in Gaza, where daily life is filled with challenges. In 2018, I lost my eldest brother, journalist Yaser Mortaja, during the Great March of Return as he was conveying the truth to the world from the borders of Gaza. His loss was a devastating blow, but it ignited within me a determination to carry on his mission.

In 2019, I decided to build something that would serve my community, so I established my own media production company. It was a dream realized after significant effort and accumulated debts. However, in 2021, during the 11-day war, my company was destroyed in an attempt to silence free media and Palestinian voices. This was a heavy loss for both me and my family.

Despite this, I refused to give up. I worked tirelessly to rebuild what was lost, but 2023 brought even greater pain. During the most recent war, I lost another brother, Hamza Mortaja, who was martyred while I was far away in the south of Gaza. I couldn’t say goodbye to him. He left me with a heavy responsibility: to care for his children and Yaser’s children, who have now become an inseparable part of my life and my greatest duty.

Today, I continue to work and persevere despite the immense challenges. My goal is to rebuild my media projects, support the orphans left behind by my brothers, and assist journalists in Gaza who face relentless dangers and hardships.

My message to the world:

My story is the story of many in Gaza, but I have chosen not to surrender. I need your support to continue this journey, to rebuild my company, and to establish projects that serve the Palestinian community while honoring the legacy of my brothers, who sacrificed their lives for truth and dignity.

With your support, I can make a difference.

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.

Every contribution, no matter how small, will be a lifeline. This will help me recover, and help me buy the tools I need to rebuild my career. With your help, I can come back stronger and continue my mission of amplifying the voices of those who often go unheard. From the bottom of my heart, I thank everyone who stood 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 always envisioned.