Salamu alaikum, my name is Guevara and I am from Gaza. I am 27 years old and I am a paramedic volunteer for the Redcross. I am sharing my story here in hopes that it could help me survive the hell we are all living in.

I graduated in 2019 as a medical administrator. For the past six years, I have been diligently seeking employment to sustain a normal life like any person in the world. Though the path has been arduous, marked by closed doors and fleeting opportunities. Leaving me depressed, and unable to travel outside due to lots of hindering reasons.

Amidst the disturbance of conflict and unrest, I have borne witness to the resilience of the human spirit. Yet, in tandem with external challenges, I confront a personal battle against rheumatoid arthritis—a relentless adversary that tests my resolve daily. 2023 I was able to draw up a plan for travel to seek better medical help and set a better future. I was supposed to travel in November.

Due to war, I was not able to move anywhere. the war was devastating and scary. I have lost many friends, family members, and two of my best friends. it was horrifying!!

While the desire to seek safety beyond Gaza's borders is tangible, my familial responsibilities anchor me to this land. My commitment to my loved ones eclipses any personal considerations, compelling me to remain by their side. I have a mother, grandmother, and sisters who can not do anything if something happens even running out of danger would be impossible. My duty to protect them was above everything. Thus, I CAN NOT SIMPLY EVACUATE FROM GAZA until I make sure my family is in safe place!

During this period, I lost my savings, I had a time I couldn't find medicine for them or me. Both of them had chronic diseases (heart and nerve-related) I had to pay double the price. We had a time when we lived on canned food and unhealthy water. We had time where death was closer than a second.

I lost the land, my chickens, the trees I cared about for 10 years, and my neighborhood got destroyed.

The land before

The land after

Our tent when we were displaced

In recognizing the power of community and collective goodwill, I extend an invitation for you to help me in this hardship.

Your support, whether through contributions or advocacy, will help me stand on my feet until the war ends or a ceasefire can happen. I will be able to support myself and my family financially and be able to travel to build a future.

A small side added to not being able to evacuate is that we will be stuck in Egypt with no visa to go anywhere or build any type of future which is more hopeless plan than a real one for the time being.

Your donation, no matter how small, could make all the difference in the world to me. It could be the lifeline that pulls me out of despair and restores hope in me.

Your consideration of my story is deeply appreciated.

With sincere gratitude,

Guevara