Rebuilding Dreams That Shattered in Gaza War

In the tapestry of my dreams, woven with aspirations of becoming an English translator and teacher, the tragic thread of reality unraveled on October 7, 2023, with the outbreak of war in Gaza. My name is Zaina Abdelwahed, a 20-year-old from Gaza City who once reveled in the simplicity of life.

Before this upheaval, my journey was one of academic excellence. I stood out not only in high school, where I achieved a stellar 99.1, but also in my two years at the IUG University, excelling in my English studies. Driven by an unyielding passion, I devoted myself to self-improvement, volunteering to assist freshmen students and dedicating two years to teaching English to children.

The video showcasing my success story was recorded in our now-destroyed home on November 24, 2023, capturing the moment when I achieved an impressive high school score of 99.1%.

However, the course of my life dramatically changed on October 13, 2023, when Israeli occupation forces forced my family to evacuate our home and move to the south of the Gaza Strip. The ultimate blow struck on November 24, 2023, as I woke up to the gut-wrenching news of my house being demolished. At that moment, my sanctuary became a pile of rubble, taking with it not just my dreams but the very core of my existence.

As I grapple with the wreckage of my dreams, I cannot fathom why the Israeli occupation forces could strip away my entire life, leaving me to question the morality of a world where such actions go unpunished.

My family consists of my father, Kamel Abdulawhed, a retired bank employee; my mother, Samia; and my siblings, Hashem, a police officer; and Mohammed, an employee at a mobile company. My sisters Majd and Noor, each family member contributing to the fabric of our close-knit existence, now face the aftermath of war and displacement. My plea is not just for myself but for my family—to evacuate them, rebuild our lives, and rekindle the passion and dreams that were stolen by the cursed Israeli occupation.

Now, I find myself at a crossroads, seeking your assistance not only to evacuate my family but to rebuild our lives, restore my passion, and resurrect my dreams from the darkness. I am determined, against all odds, to complete my education in a haven free from the specter of war, destruction, and horror.

I urge you to consider my plea as more than just an individual tragedy but as a call for support to turn this narrative of despair into a story of resilience, triumph, and the unwavering pursuit of dreams.