My Name is Noor from beloved Gaza, and this is our story:

I studied chemistry and worked as a teacher for four years, only to discover my passion for styling clothes and unique fits. This passion drove me to buy and meticulously coordinate outfits. I turned this passion into an income digital source by opening a store in 2017, carefully selecting each piece with love and enthusiasm until October 7, 2023. I was very passionate about my work and was on the verge of opening my own physical store. I was on a great journey to find those who appreciate my passion for clothing as pieces of art, but then came this damned war.

Days before the war, I had purchased many shipments of clothes and shoes for the winter season, and my store was thriving. When the war came, we were forced to evacuate our home, where my goods were stored. We could only take what we wore and a few bags hoping to return in a few days. Our home Tel-Alhawa area, which was the first Area to be invaded until now after 270 days of this war.

My and our family home, my goods, and my mental and physical strength collapsed. I suffered from psychological shock for two months, unable to do anything but cry. My six cats (my children) were lost during our displacement. If you ask me how, imagine yourself in a real-life apocalypse. I took only what I could see in front of me. I dream of them every night, seeing some injured, some missing, some surviving, and some calling for me. My heart breaks daily over them; I don't know their fate, as they face the same reality as us.

They will always be in my heart, also I don't want to forget them, that's why I decided to adopt a new cat that came to our new place of refuge. I named her Salam (Peace), hoping she would bring peace to my soul and solace to my dark nights. Until now, I continue to suffer like my entire family. A friend tried to help me, but I couldn't reach a psychologist because there's limited access to the internet, electricity, or even life here in Gaza, death is the title.

Every moment and every place, death haunts us. We moved from our home to shared spaces, and now we find ourselves in a car garage. I didn't just lose money, a house, and a business; I lost my past and my future. I lost dreams and passion. All my hopes and aspirations are stuck between memories and dreams, here and there. The little money we had ran out during these long months of war. Now, we have nothing, even hope vanished after 9 months of this war. I believe bringing light and hope to others is the most beautiful and satisfying thing to do as a human, I still believe that humanity is still alive, therefore I'm seeking your generous support to bring light to my family and my struggle, to provide me with hope and help me overcome my psychological crisis. Your help will restore my hope, passion, and life.

One dollar can make a difference, can bring hope, can create a dream. My goal is to revive my dream, to revive my project of the women's essentials store. I will resume the store's operations in Egypt in collaboration with my brother, who is in Egypt until the war ends here in Gaza. The profits from my store will save us from hunger and oppression, me and my family here in Gaza, and will be a lifeline for a newly born soul, my brother's wife who recently gave birth after a long delay due to fear and hunger. She needed blood units and vitamins, and when her condition improved slightly, we couldn't find an empty maternity hospital; there was only one full of war victims.

My brother's wife and her baby need support, and there are no resources here for their care. She gave birth to an underweight baby girl and needs special care. Help her so we can help our daughter and her mother. She needs many scarce supplies, and their prices are exorbitant. We couldn't find clothes for her; we borrowed a few from a friend whose daughter is a year older.

Thank you to those who will contribute to restoring my psyche, reviving my dream and life, and rescuing myself and my family.