Help Tala survive life in Gaza

I am Tala, the middle daughter in my family of 11 people. I'm 22 years old and I'm trying to keep myself and my dreams alive.

Before the war, I was studying information technology at Al-Azhar University. I worked hard and got high grades, and I loved spending time with my friends and enjoying life, like any other young person in any other country.

Now, it's all about survival. If the war does not kill me, then the killing of my dreams will kill me. Can you help me to survive the destruction, the hardship and the heartache? My university was bombed, beloved friends have been killed, and the streets and homes I loved have been destroyed. I want to leave Gaza for a safer country where I can study at university, graduate, and be proud of myself, but first I need to survive the day. Please don't let me turn into another victim of war.

Update: 18 September 2025

I've continued to transfer your donations to Tala over the summer. She really appreciates them and I apologise that I haven't thanked every one of you individually. Everything is extremely difficult in Gaza but your donations make a real difference to Tala's quality of life. Thank you.

Update: 4 March 2025

I've continued to transfer money to Tala over the winter and she has received all of the money donated thus far. Thank you for your generosity. It means a lot to her to have these funds and to know that people are thinking of her.

Update: 15 November 2024

I sent Tala another transfer today: £690 (converted to $829.73). Thank you all, very much, for your ongoing support.

Update: 31 October 2024

Tala received the sixth tranche of your donations today: £660 (converted to $806.66). Thank you all, your kindness is greatly appreciated.

Update: 10 October 2024

I sent Tala the fifth tranche of your donations today: £873 (converted to $1089.37). Thank you all for your generous donations.

Update: 8 August 2024

I sent Tala the fourth tranche of your donations today: £1,200 (converted to $1516.59). Thank you all again for your kindness and generosity, Tala really appreciates it.

Update: 6 July 2024

I sent Tala the third tranche of your donations today: £1,500 (converted to $1915.47). Thank you all for your kindness and generosity.

Update: 25 June 2024

I sent Tala the second tranche of your donations today via her friend Layan’s PayPal account: £1,500 (converted to 1896.29 USD). Thank you all, very much, for your generosity.

Update: 17 June 2024

Tala has received the first tranche of your donations and would like to thank you all for your generosity: it is greatly appreciated. I sent £1,500 to her friend Layan’s PayPal account on 10 June, and Layan has transferred it to Tala’s Palestinian bank account. We’re sending money in large tranches to minimise transfer fees. Thanks again to every one of you.

I'm Laura, from Edinburgh in Scotland, and I'm helping my talented friend Tala Darwish, from Deir al-Balah in Gaza. She is raising funds to survive the current situation but ultimately she would like to leave Gaza and continue her studies at a good university in a safe country. I transfer all of your donations directly to Tala's Palestinian bank account.