Help the Hasanat family rebuild and survive in Gaza

Hi, my name is Gurjot Boparai, and I’m organising this fundraiser for my dear friend Alaa and her family, who are currently in Gaza. They urgently need support to access food, aid, and essentials to survive the war, especially during this holy month of Ramadan.

Alaa and her family are some of the kindest, strongest, and most dignified people I’ve ever had the honour of knowing. They’ve been displaced over six times forced to leave their home, live in tents through freezing winters and hot summers, and face constant threats to their safety, dignity, and wellbeing. Yet despite all of this, they remain resilient, hopeful, and determined to rebuild their lives.

During the recent temporary ceasefire, they joined many others and made the long, exhausting journey on foot back to their home in northern Gaza. The walk was difficult, but the joy of returning home made every step worth it. They were grateful just to be back home again after over 15 months.

They were eager to rebuild their lives clearing debris, repairing damage from bombings and gunfire, and especially restoring their small family business: a dress store called Centri, which had once brought them dignity and income. For this family, working for their livelihood isn’t just practical it’s a source of pride and independence.It’s a way for them to earn a living, rather than rely on aid.

But the shop, like the rest of the area, suffered extensive damage. The roof needs repairs, the glass display windows are shattered, and essential items like a large battery pack are needed to power the store lights, especially the large showroom lights essential for displaying wedding dresses.

Before they could finish rebuilding, the bombing resumed, and now they face not only physical danger but severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, especially during this holy month of Ramadan. Markets are empty, and what little food remains is often unaffordable. I’m doing everything I can to help them and I hope you will too.

Let me introduce you to Alaa’s beautiful family:

Alaa

Alaa is a graduate in Public Relations and Advertising, a strong, creative, and ambitious woman. She poured her heart into a business called Centri, a dress boutique she launched to bring joy to couples. The war destroyed the project just months after it began, but Alaa has never stopped fighting for her family’s survival and future. She is deeply committed to raising their voice and showing the world the truth of what they have endured since the beginning of this war.

Her father

Alaa’s father is a pillar of strength and sacrifice. For over 20 years, he worked abroad in Sudan to support his family, building their beautiful home in Gaza from the ground up. He’s a skilled blacksmith and a devoted merchant, known for his intelligence and work ethic. Sadly, the war in Sudan forced him to flee his business there too, and he now lives in Mauritania, far from his family. He longs to be with them but cannot return due to the blockade and danger. Despite the distance, he’s still their rock always checking in, always worrying, always loving.

Her mother

Alaa’s mother is the heart of the family, gentle, nurturing, and endlessly strong. She raised her children with love and faith, often alone while her husband worked abroad. During displacement, she endured everything: living in a flimsy tent, cooking over fire despite chronic back pain, and protecting her children from cold, heat, floods, and disease. She is the soul of the household, and her patience and resilience hold everyone together.

Her brother Fadi

Fadi is Alaa’s older brother. He is responsible, kind, and deeply loving toward his family. He lives with his wife and his three small children including a baby, Ibrahim Sara and Omar. They’ve faced every difficulty together: hunger, displacement, trauma, and uncertainty. Their children, like all children, just want to play and feel safe but they’ve spent their days under tents and the sound of bombs.

Her brother Mahmoud

Mahmoud got married just two weeks before the war began. He built a beautiful home for his new wife, full of love and promise but it was all taken away. Now, he lived in a tent and walked long distances to carry water from the sea for basic needs. He is resourceful, loving, and trying to survive a reality that no newlywed should ever have to face.

Her brother Ahmed

Ahmed is Alaa’s younger brother, a bright student and talented photographer. He had dreams of working in creative tech and was excelling in his studies when the war interrupted everything. He also helped Alaa build Centri, photographing and editing the dress displays. During the was he stopped shooting wedding photos and replaced this with sewing holes in tents to keep his family dry. Watching his dreams slip away is one of the hardest things Alaa had to witness.

Her sister maryam

Maryam is a mother to two children: Kamal and baby Talia, who was born in a tent. The baby suffered from the heat and insect bites, and Maryam endured it all with strength, though the pain of seeing her children suffer is unbearable. She, too, was forced to leave behind her home, her comfort, and all her dreams to survive in heartbreaking conditions.

Her little sister farah

Farah is the youngest bright, gentle, and full of promise. She had to leave her school, friends, and childhood joys behind. She now searches for shade from the sun, protection from the bombs, and dreams of continuing her studies someday. Even finding clothes for Eid has become impossible. Farah deserves a future filled with safety, learning, and joynot war and fear.

How You Can Help

This fundraiser will help provide:

• Urgent food, baby supplies, water, and medical aid

• Essential repairs to reopen their dress shop, giving them a sustainable source of income

• A chance to relocate to safety when borders open (if possible), though the costs are incredibly high

They are a family full of potential, love, and grace. All they want is a chance to live in safety and dignity, and with your help, that is possible.

Please donate, share, and stand with Alaa and her family. Your support means the world. Thank you.