Hello! I am raising funds for Ahmed Al-Zaq, a 19 year-old activist and aid distributor with the organization Hope In Gaza. Ahmed is a treasure of a person and has shouldered so much responsibility for his young age out of his dedication to help those around him. While he continues his work with Hope In Gaza, Ahmed and his family need help with basic necessities and to rebuild their lives. Let us show them the love and support they have consistently poured into their community.

From Ahmed:

"My name is Ahmed, a 19-year-old young man from Gaza. Since the beginning of the war, I have lost everything dear to me. On October 13, the bombing forced us to leave our home after it was partially bombed, and in the 400 days of the war, the house was completely destroyed, and I lost my savings, my books, my bed, and even my close friends and relatives. Today, I live in a camp for displaced people in Deir al-Balah, south of Gaza, trying to adapt to a difficult reality. Life here is very difficult after almost a year and four months. The prices of food, water, and clothing for heating have risen dramatically, and access to basics has become a daily battle, especially in the harsh winter. Despite this, I try to hold on to hope and take care of some of the little cats that have become part of my life. I have helped many, many people through Hope In Gaza, cooking and distributing food and water to families in hospitals and in the camp. But I face great difficulties in providing food for my own family and cats as well. In order to continue doing this important work for my community, I must be able to provide for myself and my family. My message is simple: Help me to stand up again and rebuild my life. I want to start over, I want to help myself and help these little souls that I depend on as they depend on me. Despite everything, hope still beats in my heart."

Ahmed's organization, Hope In Gaza distributes cooked meals, fruit parcels, vegetables, rice, pasta, hygiene products, women's sanitary pads, tents and set ups, firewood, water, nappies, haircuts, cash to families, gifts for children, cleaning supplies, and shoes. Help him keep himself and his family supported as well.

To see regular updates and learn more about Ahmed and his organization, Hope In Gaza, see below:

Ahmed's personal Instagram: @gaza._ahmad24

Hope In Gaza Instagram: @hope_ingaza

Hope In Gaza GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/f9ab9774

A note on the organizer of this GoFundMe: my name is Bianca Heuser from Berlin, Germany. I met Ahmed when I came across Hope in Gaza and was in awe of what he has been able to achieve. We have since become close friends and I am honoured to host this campaign to help collect donations for him and his beautiful family to return to the North and rebuild their lives. Thank you so much for your contribution to this cause, which means the world to us all.