Help Us Rebuild Our Lives and Continue Our Education

My name is Lama, I am 20 years old and I am from Gaza City, Gaza, a once beautiful place that shaped my identity and dreams.

The recent conflict has changed everything for me, forcing me to leave behind the life I knew. Despite these challenges, I hold onto my passions—writing, which allows me to express my thoughts and experiences, and horseback riding, which has always brought me joy and freedom.

Like most Palestinians in Gaza, education is highly valued and we view it as a pathway to resilience and empowerment. I was pursuing my degree at Al Azhar University in Gaza, and the war has prevented me from continuing my education.

In the midst of hunger and war, I found purpose in helping others. I had the opportunity to run a food kitchen that provided meals to those in desperate need. Each day, I helped serve over 1,000 people. Witnessing the resilience of those around me amid such hardship reinforced my belief in the power of compassion and collective action. This experience has deeply shaped my perspective and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

My family and I left Gaza in April 2024 and arrived in Egypt, where our dreams of continuing our education have been put on hold. Recently, through a nonprofit organization, my brother Ahmed and I have been in Washington, D.C. speaking with members of Congress and advocating for Gaza.

The transition has been difficult, we are currently grappling with the challenges of displacement while holding on to dreams of peace and stability. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will directly impact my family’s future and well being. Our priorities are to:

1. Start our education again in the US. This will be $120,000 for 3 students averaging $40,000 a year (myself, my brother Ahmad and my sister Hala)

2. Secure housing for our family, who are currently refugees in Egypt. $12,000 for one year in Egypt until we can secure jobs.

3. Bring our younger sister Hala to the US by covering her visa fees and flight tickets and get ourselves set up initially to get on our own feet.

4. Help in finding a sponsor who can assist with securing a longterm stay in the United States to study and work.

Although I have seen relentless devastation and tragedy in my life, I am determined to find hope and remain resilient. Through my love for storytelling and connection with others, I look forward to life's possibilities.