About Deema:

My name is Deema, I am 16 years old, from Khan Yunis in Gaza.

In my secondary school stage, I was the top of my class before the school was destroyed during this war on Gaza.

My hobby was writing and reciting poetry, and my life was beautiful and full of warmth in my beautiful house that was also demolished by the occupation.

I live with my mother and father, but what little happiness we could hold on to did not last.

I lost my father. We know nothing of what has happened to him for over month. As the eldest sister of my four siblings, you can say that I now take on a responsibility greater than my years, which is the responsibility of supporting my family.

The eldest, Abdul Aziz, 14 years old, also excelled in school. He always dreamed of becoming a chef, but now his dreams are limited to being able to fill water.

Then comes my brother Fadi, who is 10 years old. He should be in primary school now. He loves football very much and was registered in a local football club.

Then comes my sister Souad, who is five years old. She loves drawing and was very attached to my father. We still hide the matter of his loss from her and tell her that he is at work and comes home when she is sleeping.

After that is my youngest brother Muhammad who is 3 years old. We do not know what he likes or what his hobbies are yet as he is still young. It was during this war that he began to utter his first words.

Everything you read was just our life before. But now, our lives have changed 180 degrees.

Life has become very difficult. I hope you will help me to be able to provide simple things like food, water, clothing, and medicine, and basic necessities. At this age I feel that it is difficult because I have carried the worries of an entire family, so please do not leave me alone in this unjust world.

From Gaith:

I am raising funds to support Deema and her family

Deema is a brilliant young poet who needs our help getting through the winter

Funds are being transferred through her uncle in Egypt and I have been able to confirm that she has received the amounts I've been able to send so far.

Starting this fundraiser as a community effort might go much further than what I have been able to raise selling synth modules and personal contributions

I'm not expecting to reach anywhere near the fundraising goal but anything we can collect will help immensely.

My brothers Abdul Aziz & Fadi

My sister Souad

My sister Souad & brother Muhammad

Our home before the war