Hello Friends!

My name is Ashley I live near NYC in the United States. I have compassionately vetted and verified Essa and Ratel who have become like family to me. Here is their story:

My name is Shadia but my nickname is Ratel. I am married to the love of my life, Essa.

Before this aggression started, our life together was peaceful and full of love. Essa ran a beautiful citrus and rose nursery.

He also owned a small Skoda, and on weekends we would go to the beach, visit parks, and try new restaurants.

After I married the love of my life, everything felt perfect. I was safe. I was seen. We had dreams , we were preparing our passports, planning to travel to Europe, and talking endlessly about the future we wanted to build. Essa as a doctor, me as shop owner.

One of my favorite things Essa used to do was write me little love poems on our coffee cups. He’d pass it to me with a shy smile, and even on the hardest days, those words reminded me that I was deeply loved. That kind of love was the heart of our life together.

But when this violence came, it took almost everything.

Our home was destroyed. The nursery, university and car, all gone. Many of our friends and family members are dead.

But our story has a shred of hope. On March 5, 2026 we welcomed our baby girl Ayla to this world. She now joins us in our tent. We want what every parent wants for their child; a life full of joy, hope and safety. (Photo slightly blurred for baby’s privacy).

We don’t ask for much, just a chance to raise our baby girl with all she needs, a chance for our future.

With all our hearts,

Ratel & Essa