Hello, my name is Emma. I’m an Australian living in London, working as a Civil Servant. I met a Palestinian man, Hassan, online a couple of years ago through my activism against the genocide in Palestine. His home was bombed and he is currently living with his family in a tent in Gaza in the Tel al-Hawa region. We have become friends and I am constantly inspired and in awe of his bravery and resilience, his kind soul, his gratitude, humility, but most of all, his unwavering diligence to the protection and betterment of his family.

Hear Hassan’s words:

"Hello, my name is Hassan, and I am writing these words while trying to hold on to hope through circumstances that have become more difficult than I ever imagined.

I grew up as an orphan from a very young age. Life taught me responsibility early, and I spent my years trying to build a better future despite many hardships. Through everything I have faced, I have never lost my faith in God or my hope for a dignified life.

Today, I am responsible for my family and for my nephew, whose father passed away in 2014. I do my best to be a source of support and care for him. I am also the father of two young daughters, May and Malak, who mean everything to me.

Our struggle is not only financial. I am suffering from a metal shrapnel fragment lodged in my hand. This fragment causes severe pain, recurring infections, and greatly affects my daily life. It has become difficult for me to work, support my family, or even perform many basic tasks. Doctors have told me that I need surgery to remove it, but the cost is far beyond what I can afford.

What hurts me even more is seeing my daughter Malak suffer. She has a serious medical condition that prevents her from breathing properly while sleeping. Many nights, she wakes up gasping for air and struggling to breathe. We often find ourselves helplessly trying to help her catch her breath. She urgently needs surgery, but we simply do not have the financial means to provide the treatment she requires.

We are currently living in a tent after losing our home. Even this tent is not on land that we own. We must pay rent for the small piece of land where our tent stands in order to avoid losing the only shelter we have left.

Recently, we also learned that my wife is pregnant. This was not something we planned during such difficult times, but we believe that every child is a blessing from God. While we are grateful for this gift, we are also worried about how we will provide for our growing family and ensure proper medical care for both my wife and our unborn child.

The funds raised through this campaign will help us:

I am not asking for luxury or comfort. I am simply asking for a chance for my family to live with dignity, safety, and hope. I want my children to have a future free from constant fear, pain, and uncertainty.

Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a real difference in our lives. If you are unable to donate, sharing our story with others would mean the world to us.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who takes the time to read our story and to anyone who chooses to support us during this incredibly difficult time. ❤️"

The cruelty and hardships Hassan and his family have endured, through no doing of their own, are unfathomable. As we in the Western world are complicit in this genocide, we have a moral duty to take accountability and assist those to whom these horrors are inflicted upon. There was no ceasefire, there has been no relief from their daily struggle just to survive.

I recognise so many people in Gaza need help. But by helping Hassan, you are helping a family of soon-to-be six. If Hassan is able to get surgery, he will be more able to work and support his growing families needs.

I know times are tough for everyone right now. Most people are struggling with the high cost of living. But let’s keep things relative; most of us will never have to face the dire conditions Hasan’s family are living through. Every little bit counts; if we all buy one less drink this week or take one bike trip instead of a train, and donate that money instead, together we can raise enough to make a crucial difference in the lives of Hassan and his family. Thank you so much for caring enough to take action. Bless you all XO