Here is an update from Nirmeen. She sent me her story and some pictures and videos of her husband and son. They are in Rafah now and trying to remain positive. But it is not easy. Here is her story in her own words (translated from Arabic):

Hello, I am Nirmeen jadal

I live in the Gaza Strip with my husband and family. I have a beautiful child named Adel. I now live in tents, in the open air, and in the cold, because of the war that the Israeli army is waging against Gaza. I lost my home during the bombing of Gaza. Gaza is still under bombardment. We are homeless. We are not safe at all. I don't know if we will survive or not. We are facing genocide here. We are completely surrounded. Hunger and cold will kill us My husband is not working currently. He lost his job. My husband used to work as a bus driver transporting school and kindergarten students, but unfortunately my husband lost his bus during the bombing and attack on Gaza, and he is currently unemployed. We don't have any income. Aid comes in very small quantities. We didn't get any help unfortunately.

I am in the second month of pregnancy, and I need healthy food and some medicines and vitamins. That's also expensive. I want my child to grow up healthy and strong. I hope you will donate so that I can provide food, water, medicine, and warm clothes, especially for my child, who cannot tolerate the cold. We really need you to help us Thank you for your understanding and sympathy I appreciate it ❤️

Nirmeen and I reconnected January 1st, 2024. We know each other through mutual friends that I worked with in Gaza. Her family was already displaced and the cold and hunger were setting in.

"We are sleeping outdoors in tents and the weather is very cold. It is difficult for our children to bear this. The prices are very high, we are unable to buy food. We are really in a very bad situation. Life has completely stopped. My husband cannot work any longer because of our displacement and it is just not possible. The situation is very dangerous here. We are completely broken. We need money to buy the necessary food, winter clothes, and heavy blankets, especially for our children. I hope that we will be able to withstand this to the end. I hope I don't lose anyone else here. I am very afraid and worried."

"Christine, I want to tell you something...I am pregnant with my 2nd child. In fact, I wish that this child had come in better circumstances, in calm and stability. That would have been the most beautiful news for me to hear...but God wanted it to happen now. I thank God for what He has given me. I hope this baby comes safe and healthy. I hope that it will come and all this will be over and we will be safe. I am very worried and afraid. The situation is bad. There is is no safety and no good food. Everything is expensive and we have nothing. I will try my best to get good and useful food in order for this child to grow in good health."

Nirmeen asked me to help, so I am creating this GoFundMe. ServiceAlliances will ensure that she gets the money as soon as we receive it. If you find it in your heart to help Nirmeen, thank you.

https://youtu.be/Nxjo83ebz_w

A Video from Christine