Save our lives, our children are dying of hunger and fear

"Roa from Gaza... A Mother Dreaming of Safety"

My name is Roa, I’m 34 years old, married, and a mother of three beautiful children: Yazan (14), Alaa (13), and Jihad (9).

My dream was simple—to have a safe and warm home where I could raise my children in peace. In 2021, that dream came true. We bought a small apartment on an installment plan. The total cost was $40,000, and we were committed to paying $300 every month, in addition to other monthly costs like furniture, electricity, water, and service fees.

Despite the financial burden, we were truly happy. I often deprived myself to provide everything my children needed because seeing them happy and successful was all that mattered to me.

Yazan is passionate about football. Alaa loves drawing, singing, and is a big fan of the English language. Jihad enjoys swimming and football. In 2023, he started first grade and was overjoyed—unlike other kids who cried on their first day, he was excited to finally go to school.

But everything changed on October 7th. I woke up, as usual, to get the kids ready for school, and suddenly we heard terrifying explosions. I turned on the news… and the horror began.

Out of fear for my children—since we lived on the 7th floor—I rushed them to my in-laws' home. A week later, we were forced to evacuate to southern Gaza. We were displaced four times, moving from one place to another, from one tent to another. Eventually, schools became our only shelter—in Khan Younis, not for learning, but for survival.

Those were the hardest days of my life. Nothing could prepare me for that experience.

One day, I received a phone call. When I answered, I was told that our home was destroyed—completely uninhabitable. My heart shattered. Years of hard work and dreams gone in seconds. I cried until I had no tears left.

Now, we are homeless. My husband has no job. My children have no access to education. Our lives have turned upside down.

All I wish for is to rebuild a dignified life for my children—to see them safe, back in school, chasing their dreams.

I kindly ask anyone with a compassionate heart to help us take a small step toward healing and starting over.