My name is Iyad Marwan, and I never imagined I would be here — writing these words, asking for help.

But today, I have no other choice.

 

For the past 20 months, since the beginning of the brutal siege and war on Gaza, I’ve been doing everything I can to support my family of 8 still living there. I’ve never asked anyone for financial assistance. I worked hard and sent everything I could from my own earnings to help them survive.

But now… I can’t anymore.

In the heart of darkness and amidst the destruction, our little Ayla was born—a flower blooming in the rubble, knowing nothing of this world but the sound of warplanes and sirens. She is only two months old, and her innocent eyes have seen nothing but suffering. There is no milk, no diapers, no electricity—none of the basic essentials a baby needs to survive. Her father, my brother Osama, is doing everything he can to keep her safe, but he’s helpless in the face of siege and extreme shortages. Ayla isn’t asking for much—only a chance to grow, to be fed, to sleep without fear, and to be held in her mother’s arms without the pain of hunger or cold. We are reaching out with hope that kind hearts like yours can help. Her life depends on it.

The prices in Gaza have become unimaginably high due to the total blockade. Today, if you can even find it, one kilogram (2.2 lbs) of flour costs more than $150. And because banks have been destroyed, 45% of any money I send is taken by middlemen just to convert it into cash — making that same kilo of flour cost nearly $300. A kilogram of potatoes costs over $100.

It now takes more than $200 per day just to feed my family one meal.

And I’ve reached my limit — emotionally, physically, and financially. I’ve used all my savings, gone into debt, and I still can’t meet their most basic needs.

I have a brother in his third year of medical school in Egypt. He is among the top students at his university. I’ve committed to sending him $400 every month to cover his rent, food, and basic needs. As everyone knows, even if he worked full-time, he wouldn’t earn more than $50 a month — and doing so would cost him his education. That’s why it’s incredibly important for me to continue supporting him so he can finish his studies and go on to serve his community. He still has two years to go, and I also pay $5,000 annually for his university tuition

I’m asking for your help.

Not for myself — but for my family, who are suffering daily, without food, without water, and without a way out.

Any amount you give will go directly toward feeding them and keeping them alive.

Please share, donate, and pray.

Your kindness could literally save lives.

With deepest gratitude,

Iyad Marwan