Diana Shams is a mother of two young children, determined to give them a future despite the devastation of war in Gaza. One of her greatest hopes is to enrol her children in an English-language school, giving them the opportunity to continue their education and build a better future. The school fees are $400 per month ($200 per child)—an impossible amount for a family struggling simply to survive.

Despite everything they have endured, Diana has continued to tell the world what life is like for families in Gaza. She wrote the book A Different Kind of Motherhood, documenting what it means to raise children under siege. Her story has been featured by The Guardian and The Washington Post, and she is even followed by Miss Rachel on Instagram. You can purchase the book below which also helps to support Diana and her family.

Book:

https://payhip.com/b/qjrfY

The Guardian:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/08/women-gaza-different-kind-of-motherhood-diana-shams

The Washington Post:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/12/26/gaza-displaced-homes-destroyed-leave/

Today, Diana remains in Gaza with her husband, her two children, and her father, Shams Odeh. After their family home was destroyed, they have been forced to live in a damaged building in Khan Younis, with limited access to food, clean water, and other basic necessities.

My name is Christopher Smith, and I am fundraising to help support Diana and her family.

Shams Odeh, Diana's father, was a colleague and close friend of my father, Jeremy Smith. They worked together as journalists at Reuters. My father sadly passed away from cancer in 2014, but if he were here today, I know he would be doing everything he could to help his friend and his family.

The immediate goal of this fundraiser is to ensure Diana's children can attend the English-language school. Education offers them stability, hope, and the chance to develop skills that could shape the rest of their lives. At $400 per month, the fees are beyond what the family can currently afford, but together we can make this possible.

Any additional funds will help the family meet their most urgent needs, including food, clean water, and other essentials as they continue to navigate daily life in Gaza.

This is not an abstract crisis. This is one family. Five lives. Two children who deserve the opportunity not only to survive, but to learn, grow, and dream about a future beyond conflict.

Any funds donated will be sent directly by me to Shams and Diana in Gaza. I am in contact with them regularly and will continue to post updates so donors can see the impact of their generosity.

Please donate if you are able, and share this fundraiser as widely as possible. Every share increases the chance that these children can continue their education and that this family receives the support they urgently need. Whether you share it with friends, family, colleagues, or anyone who may be able to help, your support truly makes a difference.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading, caring, and helping in any way you can.

Christopher Smith