Death is relentlessly chasing us in Gaza, and my family and I are running helplessly, having been displaced six times due to the war. Each day feels like a fight for survival. Our home in northern Gaza was partially destroyed by Israeli tank shells, and we’ve endured countless near-death experiences that have shaken us to our core. We struggle daily, with no place to call home, and no sense of security.

My name is Alaa Balousha, and I used to be a teacher, passionate about inspiring my students. But now, after so much pain, fear, and loss, I am just trying to protect my family from the unimaginable horrors we face every day. The war has turned Gaza into a ghost city, unlivable and terrifying. We have no source of income and we are fighting just to get basic necessities like food and water. The prices have skyrocketed, and we can barely afford anything.

I have suffered physically as well. I injured my foot and underwent a difficult surgery at the Jordanian Field Hospital. Later, I sustained severe burns on my face, neck, and hands while trying to cook for my family, as even daily tasks like preparing food have become dangerous. My family and I are exhausted emotionally and physically, trying to survive in overcrowded shelters with no privacy, surrounded by so many other displaced people. Living like this, with no personal space or comfort, has only added to our suffering.

I am urgently pleading for your help. We need to leave Gaza to save our lives. We need to escape the constant threat of death that looms over us. The funds I am raising through my GoFundMe campaign will be used to help my family evacuate to safety in Egypt and repair our partially damaged home. Every donation, no matter the size, can make a difference. Your generosity will not only help us find safety, but it will give us a chance to rebuild our lives away from the horror and destruction that Gaza has become.

Please, I beg of you, help us survive. Your support is our lifeline.