From Stability to Struggle
My name is Abdullah, and just a year ago, I had a stable life and a clear future. I was a pharmacist in Gaza, a profession I was proud of. My wife, Malak, is also a pharmacist, and together, we worked hard to create a comfortable home for our family. We wanted to build a life that allowed our two young daughters, Lina and Falak, to grow up in peace and security. Despite the challenges we faced daily in Gaza, we were grateful for the little oasis of normalcy we had created. Our home was filled with laughter, dreams, and hope, and we were doing everything we could to give our girls a bright future.
Now, everything has changed. I am no longer Abdullah, the pharmacist, but Abdullah, the man selling canned food on the street, trying to make enough to feed his family each day. Losing my job felt like losing a part of myself. I loved working in the pharmacy, helping people, and knowing I was making a difference in my community. But today, my focus is simply survival. I am no longer helping patients—I’m just trying to help my own family get through one more day. It is a hard life, and each day brings new challenges, but for the sake of my daughters and my wife, I push forward. Malak stands by me, trying to be strong, but we both know the strain this is putting on our family.
The Struggles We Face Every Day
Before, I never had to worry about where our next meal would come from, but now, every day is a constant struggle. The cost of living here has become unbearable. Food prices have doubled, and it breaks my heart that I can barely afford to buy enough food for my family. Malak and I often go without, so Lina and Falak can have enough. And then there is water—a basic necessity, but here, fresh water is a luxury. The price of one liter is over two dollars. Imagine paying that for water every day in a family of four. It’s as if our lives are being priced out of our reach. Lina is getting older and asking questions, wondering why things aren’t the same as before. I see the sadness in her eyes, and it crushes me that I cannot provide the same stability I once did.
Each week, we need at least $500 for food and water alone, and that is just the beginning. Falak, our youngest, still needs diapers, which cost nearly $100 a week. On top of this, there are basic medical needs, electricity, and small school supplies for Lina, who deserves the chance to learn and grow, despite our situation. Malak and I dream of a better future for our daughters, but each day it feels as if that future is slipping further away. I tell myself that things will get better, that this hardship is temporary, but without help, I fear that my family will not be able to bear this weight much longer.
Our Plea for Support
We never thought we’d be in a situation where we would ask for help. But here we are, reaching out to those who have the ability to make a difference. Every small contribution you give goes directly to our family’s basic needs. We know there are many people in need, and we wish we could manage on our own. But as parents, we must set aside our pride and do whatever we can to keep Lina and Falak safe, healthy, and hopeful. If you can help us even a little, it would mean the world to us and bring us one step closer to stability. Thank you for listening to our story and for any help you may be able to offer. We carry on with hope because we know there are people out there who care.
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Abdullah and Malak’s story is a reminder of resilience in the face of hardship, and their dedication to their family is unwavering. Your generous support can help provide them with the essentials they desperately need and restore hope for a brighter future.