I am doing this fundraiser on behalf of Atef. Below is Atef’s story in his words:

In September 2023, my dream finally came true. After three years of dedication and hard work, I was awarded a scholarship to pursue my Master’s degree in Robotics at the University of Strathclyde in the UK. My studies were set to begin on January 14, 2024.

But all of that was shattered the moment war broke out in Gaza.

In an instant, our lives were turned upside down. My family and I were forced to flee our home to escape the bombings and destruction. We left behind everything, including my father’s small grocery store, which was our only source of income. Fortunately, we found a place in Khan Younes that could accommodate my grandparents, who are in their 80s, but what was once a stable life turned into a daily struggle. On December 3, 2023, we were displaced again, this time to Deir Al Balah after the war zone reached our area in Khan Younes.

Three weeks later, I was given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to continue pursuing my dream. I could have paid $5000 to leave Gaza by myself and live my dream of studying abroad.

But I couldn’t, I couldn’t leave! And how could I?

My family needed me more than ever. My grandparents require special care. My parents would have faced difficult times, and my little sister, whom I love dearly, and my two brothers would have faced unimaginable challenges without me. And of course, there were the horrors of the war itself. We had already lost everything—our home and my father’s business were gone. I couldn’t abandon them in the middle of this war, leaving them to face it all alone. I’m not someone who can walk away from the people who have done everything to help me achieve my dreams.

So, I made the hardest decision of my life. I gave up the scholarship and stayed with my family to support them and share the same fate.

Now, after nearly a year of war, we’ve been displaced 17 times. Each time we move, it costs us not only physically and emotionally but also financially—around $1000 each time. Our savings are almost gone, and the future feels so blurry.

A week ago, I received the devastating news that my scholarship had been withdrawn due to the situation in Gaza. Wait!? Have I just lost the dream I’ve been working toward for three years? I still imagine myself walking around the university, driven by passion, making my family and everyone who supported me proud.

Even though things are hard, I haven’t lost hope, and I’ll do everything I can to make my dream come true.

This is why I’m reaching out to you. With your support, I can rebuild my family’s life and pursue my education when this war finally ends. Your donation will help me avoid losing everything—both my dream and the ability to leave my family in a better situation when the time comes for me to go.

Please help me make this happen. Your support can make all the difference for both my future and my family’s survival.

Thank you so much in advance to everyone who helps me by donating, sharing, or even just praying. It means the world to me.

Atef