Urgent appeal for help, my future is slipping away.

Story of Hope

I am Islam Miqdad, 20 years old, writing from the heart of siege, love, and pain. My story is different, even though everyone’s situation in Gaza is similar.

My name is Islam, a university student with ambition and perseverance. I study engineering, and I always dreamed of completing my education and contributing to the rebuilding of my homeland. However, the occupation brutally disrupted my academic journey. Despite this, I remain committed to education, believing that I will finish my studies and help make my country more beautiful than ever before. Holding on to the last thread of hope—my studies—I aspire to complete my education and make my family proud.

But restrictions hinder my efforts. Universities and learning centers have been completely destroyed, fear has spread, and all we have left are tents with poor internet access. We spend long hours trying to study, though the cost of accessing these places is too high for our current circumstances.

I once had a warm home, never imagining I would lose it. My father was in good health until the brutal occupation attacked him, injuring his left leg, leaving him disabled for a time.

One day, I went to access the internet to study and submit an exam. I suddenly found myself amidst rubble and dust. I was injured in the head and had to stop studying for a while, but now I am back with the same hope and determination. Education is my only hope. I want to study and travel abroad to build a good financial situation for my family because I am their only hope.

We live through the same routine, effort, and exhaustion every day. Life in tents is extremely hard. Water is scarce, and food is not readily available in markets. Even when available, it is often unaffordable due to high prices.

I want to help improve my family’s situation. We are a family of seven—my parents, four siblings, and me, the fifth child who dreams of providing a safe and comfortable environment for my loved ones.

No matter how much I try to describe my feelings, nothing compares to actually living through this experience. Yet, here I am, clinging to life despite all the restrictions and hardships. I hope you can understand.