My name is Leen, and I am creating this fundraiser on behalf of my cousin, Abed; who is currently living in the Gaza Strip with his wife and their three young children, Sham (8), Raed (5), and Kareem (3).

Before the war, Abed built a life for his family through a small but very successful business creating balloon decorations for party setups. It was the kind of work that reflected his personality perfectly; bringing joy to people’s celebrations, focusing on the positive moments in life, and helping others mark their happiest occasions.

But like so many families in Gaza, his life was completely turned upside down.

Abed lost many members of our extended family during the conflict. Today, from what was once a large family, only he, his sister, and their children remain.

The life he worked so hard to build disappeared almost overnight. His business was destroyed, and his family was forced to flee their home and live in a tent in a camp. When they were finally able to return to their neighbourhood, they found that it had been largely flattened, and their home had been completely destroyed.

Today, Abed and his family are taking shelter in whatever remains of a relative’s damaged home, doing their best to create some sense of safety and stability for their children in extremely difficult conditions.

With determination and courage, Abed has tried to rebuild some form of livelihood, even creating a small improvised café among the rubble; a humble way to earn just enough to cover the most basic daily expenses for his family.

Despite everything he has endured, Abed continues to focus on caring for his children and keeping hope alive for their future.

Although Abed and I have never had the chance to meet in person due to circumstances beyond our control, we share the same family, the same name, and the same blood. When I see photos of his children, I see my own children reflected in them. We look alike, we come from the same roots, and the only real difference between us is where we happened to be born.

Neither he nor his children deserve the life they are currently forced to live. Just as my children deserve safety, stability, and opportunity, so do his.

This fundraiser is my attempt to support Abed and his family in rebuilding some stability in their lives. The funds raised will go toward providing basic necessities, supporting his family while he rebuilds his livelihood, and hopefully giving them the opportunity to pursue safer options for their future if circumstances allow.

All funds will be received by me and transferred directly to Abed and his family.

Any support; whether through donations or simply sharing this page, means the world to us and brings hope to a family that has endured unimaginable loss.

Thank you for taking the time to read their story and for helping however you can.