Ru’a is an 18-year-old student living in Gaza whose life was upended by war. When the conflict began, Ru’a became the sole caretaker of her elderly and ailing parents and her 11 younger siblings. Despite the constant terror and uncertainty, Ru’a’s love for learning shines through. Even in her hard-fought daily life of survival and loss, she daydreams of reading, writing, and discovery.

Currently, Ru’a lives in a makeshift shack, focusing on securing food, medicine, and supplies to reinforce their dwelling. Without running water or food security, she spends her days hunting and gathering, always worried about the stability of the structure over her family’s heads. Her primary focus is on keeping her family safe and healthy, but her passion for education never fades.

Every morning, Ru’a wakes up with a burning desire to finish her education and build her future. But this desire is weighed down by real daily fear: fear of losing her place in school, fear for the health of her parents, and constant anxiety that her family may lose their home. Funds raised will assure Ru’a can stay in school and study, knowing she has help with the costs of medicine, food, rent, supplies, repairs, and security. Despite her unfathomable challenges, Ru’a has hope. She dreams of learning and continues to apply herself to daily study, planning for her future and the future of everyone around her. Please help Ru’a continue her education and care for her family during this crisis. Your support will give her hope and stability.