The struggles of Reem's family: A story of survival
In the heart of Gaza, the Al-Farra family - once full of life, security, and dreams - now faces unimaginable hardship. Their father worked tirelessly to build them a home, a place where they could grow, learn, and feel safe. But that home, filled with memories, was taken from them. Since the war began, they have been forced to move four times, each time losing a little more of the life they once knew. Now, they live in the ruins of their destroyed house, struggling against the cold, hunger, and disease with little left to survive on and no way to rebuild.
A father's sacrifice for his family
Reem's father, a 60-year-old man who dedicated his life to providing for his family, built a beautiful home where they lived for only five years before war turned it into rubble. His sacrifices ensured that his children received the best education available, but now, the future they had worked so hard for is slipping away.
Dreams shattered by war
Among them is Amira, a bright and determined young woman who aspired to become a lawyer. She studied tirelessly to achieve top grades in high school, only to see her dreams put on hold after attending university for just 12 days. Mahmoud was on the verge of starting his own life, laying the foundation for a new home. Instead, he now suffers from a torn cruciate ligament that requires urgent surgery, an impossibility under the current circumstances.
The daily struggles of survival
Their mother battles diabetes and the exhausting reality of displacement. Once able to access a private bathroom in her home, she now walks more than 50 meters to reach a shared facility in the freezing cold. Their aunt Ruqaya, suffers from nerve damage but has no choice but to endure the strain of washing clothes by hand in cold water, cooking over an open fire, and struggling to care for her children.
Running out of resources
Every member of the family is suffering. They endure hunger, cold, and the daily burden of simply trying to survive. Their means have been exhausted - whatever savings they had have been spent on flour, water, food, and firewood. With no access to employment since the war began, they are left with nothing.
Life among the ruins
Now, living in the ruins of their former home, the Al-Farra family faces dire conditions. The house, full of holes, offers no protection against the cold. Without electricity since October 7, 2023, the challenge of obtaining water has become their greatest struggle. Every day, they must carry water in freezing temperatures and rain, with no choice but to endure. Rats roam through the rubble of destroyed homes, adding to their misery. Food aid has not reached them, forcing them to buy whatever scarce supplies they can afford - at skyrocketing prices. Even basic clothing remains out of reach, as market prices are beyond their means.
Rats roam through the rubble of destroyed homes
A call for empathy and action
Imagine this life. Imagine waking up in the cold, with no guarantee of food or water. Imagine carrying heavy water containers each day, no matter the weather. Imagine washing clothes by hand in icy conditions. This is not just the story of one family - it is the reality for an entire community struggling to survive in the face of devastation.
Despite everything, the Al-Farra family holds onto hope. They are grateful for any support and pray for the return of better days.
To those reading this, their story is a call for empathy, awareness, and action. No one should have to endure such suffering. The Al-Farra family, like so many others, simply wants to live with dignity once again. Click here to donate. Thank you for your kindness. Together we are powerful.