I am reaching out today on behalf of someone I deeply care about, who has shown immense strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship. His name is Ismail Dawoud. He is a musician, a father, and a man dedicated to bringing hope and healing to those around him. But now, Ismail needs our help.
I first met Ismail in Tunisia. He had come to pursue his PhD in music, and during his time there, he gave singing lessons to small groups. My mom and her friends were among those fortunate enough to learn from him. I remember hearing his rich, soulful voice and thinking how beautiful his Arabic accent was, even as he picked up Tunisian words that he proudly weaves into conversation to this day.
After completing his diploma, Ismail returned to Gaza, his homeland, where he got married and started a family. He continued his work at the Edward Said Conservatory in Gaza and trained in music therapy. His love for music, his family, and his community have always been at the core of everything he does.
But today, that heart is under siege.
For the past 10 months, Ismail, his wife, and his two young sons have been displaced from their home in North of Gaza, forced to live in tents. When they fled, he couldn’t even take his oud, the instrument through which he shared his gift of music with the world.
Despite the unimaginable loss of family members and the harsh living conditions, Ismail refused to give up. Nine months into this war, Ismail managed to find a way to get a new oud. And now, in the face of all the devastation around him, he does what he has always done—he teaches. Every day, Ismail gathers children, and through his music, he brings a small, fragile smile to their faces. For these children, music is a moment of peace in the chaos. It’s a reminder that beauty still exists.
Ismail has always been proud and hardworking, never needing to ask for help. But the war has made survival in Gaza nearly impossible. While my family and I support Ismail and his immediate family, Ismail is also caring for five other families—his sisters and cousins—who have been displaced and are struggling under Gaza's crippling inflation. For a family of four, it now costs $800 per month just to survive.
Every donation will go directly to providing these families with the essentials they need to survive: food, shelter, and medicine.
Ismail's resilience continues to inspire me every day. Despite the harsh realities he faces, he remains focused on his mission to support those around him, even as his own resources dwindle.
Please consider donating to help Ismail continue to care for his family and his community. Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a tangible difference in their lives.
Thank you for standing with us during this difficult time.