Rebuild our lives in Gaza

My name is Lauren and I'm running this campaign for my good friend Yomna. Now that there's a ceasefire in Gaza (after over a year of attacks), Yomna and Dr. Ismail are raising funds to rebuild their lives in Gaza. They've done so much work to support others in Gaza, and rebuilding their own lives will mean they're in a better place to keep supporting others too.

Here's an updated message from Yomna and Dr. Ismail (as of February 2025):

First of all, we thank God for saving us from this fierce war. Finally, a ceasefire has been reached in Gaza after 470 days of fear, terror, hunger and heavy bombing. We thank everyone who supported us in this ordeal and stood by our side. Now, we are facing a new war, which is trying to rebuild our lives and return to our homes in northern Gaza. We have lost all our possessions. We hope that you will help us in our attempt to return to life and obtain a decent life.

Later, we will also think about travel outside of Gaza so Dr. Ismail can continue his studies. (The Rafah crossing will not be opened for citizens in the coming days unfortunately.)

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Original message from May 2024:

Even though she's lost her family home and been displaced by the attacks in Gaza, she and her husband have dedicated their time to supporting others. This campaign is raising funds to provide life-saving supplies to displaced people in Gaza – food, water, medicine, and more. Please read on for a message from her.

My name is Yomna Al-Shanti and I am married to the surgeon Dr. Ismail Abu Afifa. Together, we have a beautiful daughter, Mayan. When I was 15 years old, I was selected to be a part of a human rights program hosted by UNRWA (United Nations Relief Works Agency) in which I travelled to the United States to advocate on behalf of girls like me in Gaza. I met with Congress members, President Jimmy Carter, Dr. Martin Luther King's grandson, and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. I studied a diploma in Business and Office Practice at UNRWA and then worked with UNRWA for 5 years in the Relief and Social Services Department.

My husband and I used to live in Gaza City and we were forced to move 3 times: at the beginning of this war to Al-Maghazi camp, then to Khan Yunis, and now to the city of Deir Al-Balah in the middle of the Gaza Strip. All of that displacement was under horrific bombardment around us everywhere. This is on top of the many wars we've lived through before, since the siege was imposed on us 17 years ago.

Our house was burned down and we lost our jobs as well. Our daughter was one year old at the beginning of the war, and now she is a year and a half old. She has become aware of the meaning of bombing and now fears of the sound of airstrikes.

As you all know in Gaza, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding, touching the lives of countless Palestinian displaced with a famine, their days are clouded by an urgent desperation for the most basic necessities: food, water and medicines. The reality is unbearable. Many are suffering from malnutrition and are struggling for survival, so my husband and I have decided to provide assistance where we can.

My husband, Ismail, and I have already started carrying out some charitable work, such as Ramadan meals (iftar, the evening meal to break the fast) to feed the displaced people in the city of Deir al-Balah and Al- Nuseirat camp, and now we want to continue this charitable work.

Here are some photos of support we've provided so far:

Our initiatives will focus mainly on the daily essential needs of the displaced people in the middle and southern Gaza Strip, such as:

- Distributing drinking water.

- Providing daily meals.

- Distributing vegetable baskets.

- Medical consultations and services.

- Providing psychological support for children, women and the elderly.

- Providing assistance to people with disabilities

Amidst the despair, there lies a beacon of hope. That hope comes from you. Yes, you! Each and one of us holds the power to make a monumental difference in the lives of a Palestinian child. It starts with a small act of kindness, a gesture of solidarity, a donation of $20. While this may seem like a modest contribution, the collective power it harnesses is immense. We ask that you consider making a donation. It's also a huge help if you can share this campaign with your friends.

Every cent you donate goes directly to purchasing food, water and medicines for Palestinian displaced in the middle and southern Gaza Strip. 100% of your donation is transformed into sustenance for those who need it most. Donate now and be the reason someone smiles today, the reason a child goes to bed with a full stomach and dreams of a brighter tomorrow.

Lauren note: I'll receive the funds on behalf of Yomna (GoFundMe doesn't allow people in Palestine to set up campaigns) and then I will transfer all funds directly from my bank to hers. I've worked with Yomna before and have seen the positive impact that she and Ismail are having through their work. Thank you for your support!