support Ahmed in his daily struggle

My name is Sara Rayan, and I currently live in Canada. I am fundraising for Ahmed and his family in Gaza. They are my maternal relatives. Ahmad is one of my second cousins from my mother's side.

The money will be used for them to sustain daily life and for Ahmed to start getting back on his feet again. When you get to know him from his story, you'll see that despite all the hardships, he's a man who a ton of hope still, for himself and his family.

The money will be used to support Ahmed, his wife and their 4 children (both under 18yrs)

Here's Ahmad's story:

Ahmed is a Palestinian journalist and a father of four. He's taking care of his paralyzed and sick father, who now lives in a tent built on the street. The recent war in Gaza has left him and his children homeless. They're struggling to find enough food, clean water, and proper clothes. It's a tough life, and he's lost everything he's worked hard for - his house, his land, and even his job.

If you want to read more, here's a direct message from Ahmed:

Leaving our home marked the beginning of a difficult journey.

It was a moment filled with fear and anxiety that words can't fully express. The war had invaded not just our physical space, but our hearts, bringing chaos we couldn't comprehend. Losing our home wasn't just losing a place to live, it was losing our sense of safety and stability. How can anyone feel secure sleeping under a sky filled with danger? How can I and my children find peace when we wake to the sound of bombings and screams?

Above is how they're living now...

Life in a tent on the street has been incredibly challenging.

Through long months, we've endured bitter, cold winters and sweltering summer heat. Daily life is a struggle - there's not enough good food to eat or clean water to drink, leading to serious health issues from malnutrition and dehydration. We've had to resort to using wood and leaves to make fires for cooking and bathing, which only adds to our hardships. It's a suffering that's hard to put into words, but we hope someone will hear our plea and offer us the support we desperately need in these tough times.

Taking care of my paralyzed and sick father in our cramped tent has become my responsibility.

He lies there, helpless, his body weakened by paralysis and the cruelty of a stroke. We do our best to care for him, tending to his needs with endless tenderness and compassion. It's heartbreaking to see him suffer, to watch him rely on us for everything from feeding through a tube to turning his fragile body to prevent sores. With each dose of medicine, we pray silently for his recovery, hoping that he finds the strength and patience to endure the challenges brought by this war.

It's hard to put into words the depth of loss I've experienced in this brutal war.

I lost my home, a place I built with years of hard work and dedication. Each brick held a piece of my heart, every corner filled with memories and dreams. But it's not just the house I lost - it's the memories, the irreplaceable possessions, the pictures capturing precious moments. Everything inside held a story, a reminder of happier times. Now, I'm left with nothing but the hope that there are people out there who can help me rebuild. In times of great loss, the power of solidarity and generosity shines brightest.

It's heartbreaking to think about the land I lost in this brutal war.

It wasn't just any piece of land—it was my sanctuary, a place of beauty and life that I tended to with love for years. I cherished every tree and flower, finding solace in the tranquility of nature. But now, all of that is gone. My once vibrant garden lies in ruins, stripped of its life and beauty. Yet, despite the devastation, I refuse to lose hope.

I'm also deeply saddened by the loss of my main source of income, which came from my work as a journalist and voice-over specialist.

The war destroyed my office and studio, where I poured my creativity and talent into my projects. All the tools and equipment I had acquired through years of hard work were reduced to rubble. This space wasn't just where I earned a living—it was where I found solace and expressed myself. Additionally, I had a passion for helping the blind by recording audio books for Al-Manara International Library. This work wasn't just a job; it was my way of serving the community. Now, I'm reaching out to you for help so I can rebuild my professional and personal life and continue this important work.

Even amidst the hardships of war, I remained committed to my noble mission.

I took personal initiatives to bring joy to children living in similar circumstances, offering them psychological and moral support and organizing entertainment events to ease their suffering. As a journalist, I persisted in documenting the struggles of those around me, ensuring their voices were heard. I've always believed in the media's power to highlight humanitarian issues and inspire societal change. Alongside my journalistic efforts, I shared these stories through my YouTube channel and social media accounts, aiming to raise awareness and garner support despite the challenges. Despite the difficulties, I never lost hope or stopped striving for positive change in my community. Humanitarian work remains my driving force, and I'll continue to do everything I can to help others and promote justice and positivity.