Ahmed Lubbad
Ahmed Lubbad's Story: A Plea for Humanity
My name is Ahmed Lubbad. I am 26 years old, and I am writing to you with a
heart burdened by despair but sustained by a glimmer of hope. I write on
behalf of my family, trapped in the besieged northern region of our
homeland, where survival has become an unrelenting struggle.
Our world has been turned upside down. The devastation has obliterated our
family home, leaving us exposed to the elements and scrambling to find
safety. My car, which once served as our lifeline for transportation, has also
been destroyed. Homeless and unable to escape to safer areas, our future
feels more precarious with each passing day.
Food scarcity is a nightmare we face daily. No aid has reached our region
since early October. Fresh produce is nonexistent, and essentials like bread
or canned goods are priced beyond reach. Vendors, collaborating with
exploitative forces, form cartels that drive prices higher, leaving us in
desperation. The little we manage to procure is far from enough to sustain
us. Hunger gnaws at our bodies, and the uncertainty of tomorrow looms
large.
My family is struggling in every sense of the word. My father and brother,
like SO many others, cannot find work because jobs have vanished amidst
the destruction. The dreams we once cherished of stability, security, and
progress are now mere fragments of a life that seems unrecognizable.
Let me introduce you to the family I am fighting to protect:
• Nisreen, my eldest sister, is a lawyer and a mother of four children,
including two infants. She now lives in a small tent far from us, while
the rest of our family remains in the north, finding solace only in each
other's presence.
. Jumana was a promising Software Engineering student, with four
years of study behind her and some work experience. Her university is
now in ruins, but she dreams of continuing her education abroad and
rebuilding her future.
• Ruba, a clinic manager who once tirelessly helped others, saw her
workplace destroyed. Her aspirations of advancing her education and
career abroad are now indefinitely on hold.
. Saja, who graduated high school with honors, is full of ambition. But
with all universities destroyed, her dreams of higher education have
been reduced to ashes.
Abdullah, my youngest brother, was on the verge of graduating high
school and pursuing university education. The unending violence has
shattered his hopes and opportunities.
AS for me, I once owned a small store selling watches, perfumes, and
accessories. It was our lifeline, but now it lies in ruins, along with the goods
that supported us. lalso had a passion for working on cars, but even that
feels like a distant memory.
Our family extends beyond humans to beloved animals who share our lives:
Azar, a loyal Rottweiler; Bella, a gentle white dog; and two Siamese cats,
Luza and Bondok. They narrowly escaped death when our house colapsed
on them twice. Now, they suffer alongside us, emaciated and weak, as we
can no longer afford to feed them. Animal food, when available, costs $80
for a single pallet that lasts only a week.
Adding to the burden on my heart, I have always cared for stray animals in
our community, providing them with food and medical care. But now, I am
powerless to help them as I struggle to keep my family alive.
Despite these crushing challenges, my family and 1 hold onto hope. We
believe in the power of humanity, in the kindness and compassion of people
who can make a difference. Every small act of generosity--whether it's a
donation, a prayer, or sharing our story---brings us closer to surviving this
nightmare and one day rebuilding the lives we've lost.
Your support means more than you can imagine. lt's not just about food or
shelter; it's about restoring hope, dignity, and the chance to dream again.
Please consider standing with us in this critical moment.
From the depths of our hearts, thank you for listening, for caring, and for
being a beacon of light in our darkest hour.
With gratitude and hope,
Ahmed Lubbad