Supporting My Sister: A Journey of Resilience and Rebuilding

Dear Friends,

I want to share the story of my sister, Rola, a story of resilience, loss, and the power of community. Rola is someone who has always given to others, someone who would never ask for help herself—but today, I know she needs it.

A Home, A Life, A Future—All Gone

Just over a year ago, Rola and her husband were building a future together in Rafah. Their home was more than just walls and a roof—it was a place where they raised their four children, where they had carefully chosen every detail, from the colors of the rooms to the lighting that made it feel warm and safe.

-- A photo of Dyala, Rola’s youngest, celebrating her last birthday at their home in Rafah with her friends and cousins.

Then the war came..

Like so many others, Rola, her children, my mom, and my nieces and nephews were forced to flee. By some miracle, they made it to Egypt, where they have been for the past eight months, uncertain if they would ever see their home again. After the ceasefire, her husband, Hussam—who is still trapped in Gaza—was finally able to return. What he found was nothing but rubble. Their entire neighborhood, along with the rest of Rafah really, had been wiped out. Their home, their memories, and everything they had worked for were gone.

And that wasn’t the only loss Rola suffered. The war also took her best friend, someone who had been a sister to her in every way. The weight of grief, displacement, and uncertainty has been unimaginable.

A Remarkable Achievement in the Midst of Despair

Despite everything, Rola refused to give up. Thanks to the support from our first campaign, she and her children made it to safety in Egypt. Since arriving, she has not only cared for her four children but also my mother and three of my brother’s children, all while carrying the weight of loss on her shoulders.

And in the middle of it all, she achieved something extraordinary: last week, she defended her Master’s thesis in Public Health remotely from Egypt. A degree she had started before the war, a goal she refused to let go of despite everything life had thrown at her.

-- Rola, while defending her master thesis in Egypt

Her resilience is beyond words. But even the strongest among us need help.

Why Rola Needs Your Support Now

While Rola and her little ones are now safe, their struggles are far from over. Her husband remains trapped in Gaza, and as the sole provider for the family, she now faces the overwhelming challenge of supporting them alone.

Egypt is expensive for displaced families, with no official residency, and no income, she needs urgent support to:

✅ Secure affordable housing for her and the children.

✅ Cover basic living expenses like food, clothing, and essentials.

✅ Ensure her children can continue their education despite everything they’ve been through.

How You Can Help

This is a moment where we can step in and give Rola the stability she needs.

Together, We Can Give Rola a Fresh Start

I know she would never ask for this herself—she’s too proud, too strong. But I also know that sometimes, even the strongest need a little help.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for being part of this journey with us. Your support means the world.

With gratitude,

Omar

-- During my visit to Egypt and reuniting with Rola and the munchkins