Hello – I'm running this GoFundMe campaign on behalf of my friend, Alaa. I met Alaa when I went to Gaza to support women entrepreneurs who were part of a program run by Mercy Corps. Thank you very much for caring about Alaa and her family.

Here is Alaa's message:

My name is Alaa. I am a mother of two little girls — Naia (3 years old) and Fi (only a few months old). They are growing up surrounded by fear, hunger, and destruction. Naia now recognizes the sound of airstrikes and hides in fear, while baby Fi has known nothing but war since she was born.

Alongside photos of my daughters, I will also share photos of the street where we now live, so you can see the conditions in which my daughters are growing up. These images show the harsh reality, but also why your support means so much to us.

This is Naya:

This is Fay:

Since the war began in October 2023, my entire life has fallen apart. I lost my two young brothers. I lost the home I grew up in. Our home was severely damaged during the bombardments, and we were forced to leave everything behind. We’ve now been displaced more than once searching for safety.

I will be sharing photos that show the damage to our house and the painful reality of leaving it behind.

This was my house before the war:

These images tell a story of loss, but also of resilience — of trying to find safety for my children in the midst of destruction.

This is the street we live on now:

The goal of this campaign is to help cover our daily living expenses – life since the ceasefire is still very expensive, which might be different from what you see in the news.

My husband and I both lost our sources of income, and now we survive only on occasional aid—when it even arrives. I'm trying hard to get back to my content writing job, but I need things to settle down more at home.

The most heartbreaking part for me is when my daughter asks for food I cannot provide. Naya asks for milk, or something sweet… and all I can do is hold her and cry silently. For over three months, we’ve survived only on bread and legumes.

I have two young daughters, and I’m struggling to provide them with essentials like milk, diapers, and other basic needs.

I’m not asking for much. I just want to be able to buy infant milk, diapers, basic food, and medicine for my daughters. I just want to feel like I can protect them.

My current living expenses total approximately $400-$500 per week. As part of that, I have home maintenance and repair expenses worth $5,000. I have water, battery, and electricity bills worth $300 per month. Transportation and necessities costs $100 per month. Internet and utility expenses are $100 per month.

This is why I’m asking you—from the depths of my heart—to contribute whatever you can. Even one dollar makes a difference. Every share of this campaign might reach someone who can change our lives.

Thank you for listening to my story. Thank you for still believing in humanity.