Hi, my name is Clara Grossi I live in Brussels and I’m organizing this campaign on behalf of Rahaf, a 17 year old who is doing her best to take care of her family, here are some words from her:

My name is Rahaf, I’m 17 years old, and I’m the eldest sister in my family of nine. We live in Gaza, in a tent, with my mother, my father, my six younger sisters, and my injured little brother, Mohammad.

My sisters’ names are: Raghad, Injy, Fatima, Leen, and Hanan. My youngest brother Mohammad was less than a year old when the war began — he was just a tiny baby. While we were fleeing the bombing, he suffered a painful burn on his hand. Now he is two and a half years old, and still in pain.

Mohammad urgently needs surgery and monthly treatment. The cream that helps ease his pain alone costs over 100 euros each month, and I can barely afford it. My heart breaks every day watching him suffer, unable to help him.

We used to live in eastern Deir al-Balah, one of the most dangerous areas in Gaza. After our home was destroyed, we fled to Khan Younis, then to Rafah, which was also bombed. We eventually returned to Deir al-Balah, to a piece of government land labeled a “safe zone” — but it is not safe at all. Now, we live in a tent that doesn’t protect us from the heat or the cold.

My father is very sick and cannot support or protect us. I had to leave school because of the war and became responsible for my entire family. My sisters don’t go to school either. Every day, they ask me for bread, vegetables, or some meat to grow and stay alive — but I cannot provide them with anything.

We live in fear, hunger, and deep sadness.

Please, help me support my family and save my brother Mohammad’s hand.

Every donation, no matter how small, can make a big difference.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

— Rahaf