Hello. My name is Mohammed Jahjouh, and I am an author, presenter and film director. I am organizing this fundraiser, with help from my friend Gabriel in the UK, to save my family’s lives. I am currently based in Spain, and desperately wish to rescue my family members from the genocide in the Gaza Strip.

We are a large family of over 15 people living in Gaza, struggling through the ongoing war that has lasted for eight months and counting. Our lives have become a daily fight for survival. My mother Amal, 65 years old, suffers from several illnesses, a heart condition, blood pressure and diabetes. Her health has deteriorated due to the lack of medical care and harsh living conditions in Gaza, especially after the passing of my father who left this world a few months before the genocide. Our home, which was our haven, was bombed by the Israeli occupation forces, as were the homes of my two brothers and my sister. All my family members are now homeless, lacking food, water and basic necessities.

Photo of Jahjouh's childhood home after it was destroyed

Adan Jahjouh's Masters thesis appear from under the rubble of her house

Each member of our family had dreams and aspirations, but the war has taken so much from us. My brother Ismail is an author, researcher and thinker. He dreamed of bringing the name of Palestine to every corner of the world through his writing and research. Ismail and I co-authored a book on Palestinian Cinema and prepared a TV programme called Cinema Falasteen. Despite the harsh conditions, he still holds onto this dream, believing that the voice of Palestine must be heard. My sister Adan is also passionate about journalism, and dreams of hosting her own news programme. She also has a huge talent in photography and as a voiceover artist. My other brother, Mahmoud, is a social worker, who supported many individuals and families in Gaza before the war. He continues to offer psychosocial support to our relatives and neighbours.

Ismail holding the cinema book on the Gaza shore

Book by brothers Mohammed and Ismail Jahjouh on Cinema

Amid all this destruction, we hold on to hope and to each other. We struggle to survive and look forward to a day when peace is achieved, and we can return to our normal lives. We are a family living under severe conditions, but we have not lost hope for a better future. We hope that our story reaches the world, so that we can find the support to overcome this ordeal.

Your kind donations will help my family purchase daily essentials such as food, clothing and medical supplies for my mum. If enough is raised, we will start evacuating family members to safety outside Gaza. Please donate and share our fundraiser – every small contribution counts.

Thank you!