Provide Vital Aid to Wissam's Family

A Message from Wissam – Gaza

I never thought I’d write something like this. I never imagined that my life, once full of hope and dreams, would be reduced to a desperate plea for survival. But this is where I am now — not by choice, but by the cruel force of war, displacement, and unimaginable suffering.

My name is Wissam Badwan, a Palestinian software engineer from Gaza. I am reaching out to you not just as a person, but as a broken soul trying to keep my family alive. We are eight family members trying to survive in a land that has become unlivable.

My father Muhammad (48), my mother (43), my brothers Louay (27), Abdul Rahman (22), Ahmed (18), Hassan (15), and my little sister Sahar (13) — they are everything to me. And today, they are at risk of losing even the most basic right of all: life.

We fled our home under fire, chased by bombs and fear, with nothing but the clothes we were wearing. Our home — filled with memories, love, and laughter — is now a pile of rubble. We have lost everything. We live not in houses anymore, but in ruins and tents. Our childhood, our dignity, our peace — all of it has been taken away.

Now we are living through a devastating famine. Gaza is starving. The price of one kilo of flour is more than $15, if you can even find it. We go to sleep hungry and wake up weaker every day. Water is unsafe. Medicine is unavailable. The air is filled with the sound of drones and the smell of smoke. And hope? It's fading.

We have been displaced over and over — from shelter to shelter, with each new place becoming more dangerous than the one before. We’ve lived without electricity for months. We’ve watched neighbors die. We’ve buried friends. We’ve walked through streets drenched in blood. And through it all, we’ve held on — barely.

I am not just asking for money. I am asking for humanity. I am begging you to see us — really see us — not as numbers, not as news headlines, but as human beings who love, who cry, who dream, and who want to live.

We need urgent support — food, clean water, hygiene items, medicine, and if possible, a way to escape this death trap we are imprisoned in. It is no longer about a better life. It is about life itself.

Please, if you can help us, even a little, you may be saving an entire family. And if you cannot give, then share our story. Let the world know that we are still here, still breathing, still holding on — waiting for someone, anyone, to care.

From the depths of my heart, thank you for reading. Your kindness, your voice, your help — it may be all we have left.

With all my love and pain,

Wissam Badwan

Gaza, Palestine

Message from Fundraising organizer:

My friends are dying in Gaza. If you are able to spare $1 or $2 just to help them buy flour or any type of food, it would literally mean everything to them right now.

Please read my brother Wissam's story - please give him the dignity and respect he and his family deserve. If you cannot donate, we understand; please consider sharing this link.

They have somehow survived 19 months of a continuous nightmare on Earth. The suffering encompasses every level imaginable.

Considering our tax dollars and support, whether outright or by way of silence, have aided in the murder of their friends, family members, and neighbors, the obliteration of their homes, careers, education, future, hopes, dreams, mental and physical health... the least we can do is contribute something - anything, to tell them that their lives matter and to help them acquire life saving lentils, flour, medicine if they are able to find it!

My name is Katie Armstrong, a mom & Realtor - living in Portland, TN - trying to help an online friend met through discussions on a facebook forum for the Lex Fridman Podcast.

The internet brings the world together and bridges the oceans. I am so grateful for gaining a brother and dear friend. I am on my knees begging for you to offer any help and action of solidarity that you can muster in your soul. Wissam's family are extensively verified residents of Gaza and your funds will be sure to reach his family. Please reach out with any questions!!!