My name is Sophie Sweeney, a chartered accountant, lecturer, a mother and a friend.

I am organising this fundraiser on behalf of my dear friend Shirene from Gaza whom I met at the One Young World Summit 2025 in Munich. Her courage and resilience have deeply moved me.

While studying abroad, Shirene carries the unbearable weight of knowing that her family in Gaza is facing daily conditions that no human should endure. Their homes, neighbourhoods, schools and basic institutions have collapsed. Despite their strength and dignity, their situation has now become unlivable.

With Shirene’s full consent, I am sharing her family’s story so we can help them regain even a small measure of stability, safety, and everyday dignity.

Shirene’s family has been displaced more than fifteen times and is surviving without clean water, electricity, sanitation, medical care, proper housing and any sense of safety. Schools and hospitals have collapsed. Even basic items like medication, baby formula, diapers, and clean food are extremely difficult and expensive to obtain. Gaza has become unlivable.

Here is just a glimpse of what they are currently suffering through:

Her sister, Shaimaa, just gave birth and needs medical care after the difficult delivery on a staircase, without electricity or medical care. The baby needs formula and diapers. She also has two school-age children who need proper schooling and stationery. One of her children is on the autism spectrum and needs special support.

Her brother Mohammed’s wife is pregnant and close to giving birth in the same conditions. His children, five and two and a half, have never been able to attend a proper education.

Her sister Shorouq’s son suffers from malabsorption and needs medical follow-up that simply doesn’t exist anymore. Her daughter Aysel, is now six and hasn’t sat in a classroom nor her brother since he was six.

Her mother has diabetes, a stomach ulcer, and needs a special diet, medication, and regular monthly care.

Her mother recently fell down the stairs and suffered internal bleeding in her leg. She already has diabetes and needs surgery and a special diet. There is no treatment available.

Her father has heart disease and also requires continuous treatment and follow-up.

Despite everything, this family continues to hold on to HOPE with extraordinary grace.

️ How You Can Help ️

Even a small contribution can provide essential items that are currently impossible for the family to access on their own.

If you cannot donate, sharing this page would also mean so much.

This fundraiser is about restoring the basics of life for people who have endured more than words can express.

If you feel able to help in a more personal way, we are also seeking individual sponsors who can support one family directly each month. Even a modest amount can provide food, baby supplies, and essential medication. If you would like to sponsor a family, please reach out to me privately (Instagram @Sophsweeney). All money will go directly to those who need it, no intermediaries, no bureaucracy, no politics.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for standing with Shirene and her family during the darkest moment of their lives.

If you want to hear her voice telling her story with the same grace that touched my heart please watch this video

https://vimeo.com/1134595543

Funds Management & Delivery Statement

1. Transfer of funds

All funds raised through this GoFundMe will be withdrawn into my name as the campaign organiser for the sole purpose of transferring the funds to the intended recipient.

2. Delivery to recipient

Once withdrawn, the full amount (minus GoFundMe processing fees) will be transferred directly to Shurouq via his PayPal account where he will share directly with his family in need. No funds will be retained for personal use.

With gratitude,

Sophie