Persistence Amidst Tragedy: A Palestinian's Pursuit of Safet

Hello, my name is Iyad Alkrunz, and I am a resident of Palestine, specifically from the Bureij refugee camp in the Gaza Strip.

Since October 7th, my life has been filled with turmoil and tragedy. Previously, I cherished a happy life with my beloved wife and daughter. I was pursuing my passion as a software engineer while simultaneously pursuing graduate studies at the master’s level. Despite fulfilling all the requirements, my dream of completing my master’s thesis and obtaining the certificate remained unfulfilled.

Throughout this devastating war, I narrowly escaped death three times. The first instance occurred during the second week of the conflict when a neighboring house was targeted, resulting in the loss of all occupants. My family and I suffered injuries, our home was severely damaged, and my car was partially destroyed. This pattern of displacement and destruction persisted, further endangering our lives and causing immense suffering.

Tragically, due to the lack of medical resources, I lost my sick mother during our displacement to Rafah. The constant threat of invasion forced us to return to my sister’s home, only to face another horrifying attack. The night when our house was directly targeted, claiming the lives of 32 individuals, including innocent children and women, is etched into my memory as one of profound despair and fear.

Amidst the chaos, my one-year-old niece miraculously survived being trapped under a fallen wall. Alongside my father, I rescued her, as well as my sister and her husband, from the rubble. These harrowing experiences have left an indelible mark on my soul, and I am determined to create a better future for myself, my wife, and my daughter.

I refuse to live in perpetual fear and uncertainty. Instead, I yearn for a life filled with love, peace, and tranquility. My aspiration to complete my studies and pursue a doctoral degree symbolizes my unwavering commitment to rebuilding my life in a safer environment.

With your generous support, I hope to turn the tide of adversity and embrace a future characterized by resilience and optimism. Together, let us stand for life and peace.