Desperate for Hope ... (Urgent help to survive)
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With a narrative that transcends borders, my name is Faten, and I find myself in a desperate situation due to the ongoing attacks in Gaza. Originally filled with hope and anticipation centered around the pursuit of education and a brighter future in Australia, my journey has taken an unforeseen turn. Now, I urgently seek your support to relocate and commence my scholarship immediately at the University of Melbourne a master degree in Management “Human Resources”. Read my story and support me by whatever you can, even if only by sharing. This is more than my personal story; it's a tale of hope born in the womb of suffering.
Figure 1: Preparing myself for the interview
In August and September of 2023, my family and I eagerly awaited the results of the Australian Awards Scholarship and read more about the life in Australia, a potential lifeline that would allow me to study at the University of Melbourne. In the end of September, I received the letter of being awarded the scholarship.
The joy of being awarded the scholarship was short-lived, as October brought a nightmare that shattered everything.
The peaceful nights were replaced by the sounds of bombs and airstrikes leaving Gaza a city of chaos. In that fateful Saturday, the 7th of October, my world was shattered. I remember exactly the details. As my sons peacefully slept, I was awake by the insane sounds of crazed rockets tearing through the early morning. People were on their balconies looking for an explanation, the students were in the streets running away while crying do not know where to go.
The symphony of destruction played out, leaving all of us in Gaza shocked, surprised, and confused. I many times tried to describe accurately the scenes and my feelings on that day, the most suitable accurate description I found was it was like the ending of the world.
During that day and due to the continues bombings, the walls of my flat and the tower that had stood as a symbol of security were now mere witnesses to the chaos, trembling under the impact of relentless attacks. The shattered glass of our neighbors, the fires and explosions were clearly seen from my home’s windows.
In those moments, everything escalated dramatically. I desperately sought any trustworthy news source, seeking information to understand the consequence and the context of what was happening. The world outside became a blur of uncertainty, fear, and a palpable sense of vulnerability.
As the night wore on, the realization dawned upon us – war had erupted, and the attacks were unlike any we had experienced before since 2008 and earlier. During this situation, we were forced to leave our home on the 8th floor for our safety. My husband hastily prepared our bags. This wasn't just another episode of violence; it was an unprecedented event that demanded immediate action, a reality I hadn't fully realized during the situation.
In the darkness, we packed not just belongings but fragments of my dream to study in Australia. The bags turned into symbols of desperation, holding the weight of uncertainty and a faint hope for a future untouched by horrors of attacks. What used to be a simple task of packing now represented a desperate attempt to survive, a heartbreaking acknowledgment that our lives were about to change painfully.
This was the beginning of a journey none of us chose, a journey from the serenity of sleep to the harsh reality of being under attacks, leaving behind shattered glass, shattered dreams, and a once peaceful home now hauntingly absent from our lives.
In the rush to flee, I left behind not just possessions but cherished memories - the echoes of my children's laughter, the warmth of our home, and the milestones we celebrated, even my valuable traditional dress, (Palestinian Thob). The following days were a harrowing experience of seeking refuge at my father's, facing evacuation notices, and living in constant chronic stress of anxiously awaiting the unknown.
On October 11, 2023, we struggled to sleep due to the intense and continuous aerial and artillery bombardment on residential neighborhoods. The noise was too laud and too close. On October 12, 2023, my husband told me that our tower was destroyed completely, and the flat has gone forever. The flat I spent more than 9 years in paying its mortgage starting in September 2012 and finished in October 2023.
In that day of 12th of October, we were compelled to move south as the Israeli military issued a 24-hour evacuation notice for 1.1 million Gaza residents, realizing the seriousness of the situation, we made the decision to take the warning seriously and evacuate for the safety of our children.
Our journey took us to Khan Younis, where over 40 family members crammed into my widowed aunt's home. Despite the hardships, a sense of unity emerged as we shared whatever little we had. And the support and love have become a new source of strength.
The struggle continued as we moved again, seeking refuge in Rafah. Living conditions were dire, with limited privacy and inadequate amenities. The ordeal reached its peak in a zoo, where around 200 displaced persons, including my family, sought a safe shelter. Living in a makeshift tent near lions and dogs cages became our reality.
Now, I find myself volunteering to care for the animals, ensuring they receive whatever remaining food we can gather from the supplies in the zoo. The owners, overwhelmed by the circumstances, are no longer able to meet the basic needs of these animals. In addition to feeding them, I have taken on the responsibility of cleaning the zoo, working to maintain a healthy environment that minimizes the risk of illnesses and infections for children. Despite the challenges, my commitment to both the displaced community and these neglected animals remains steadfast.
All these efforts led to a resilient community formed, supporting each other, organizing campaigns to aid those in need, and finding solace in shared hardship. Somehow, while I was struggling in finding internet and electricity to charge my phone, I managed to fulfill the requirements for the scholarship, sign the contract, and secure enrollment for my children in a local school.
However I still unable to accept the reality that my home was gone and what makes me even more desperate is that my little kid, Zahr, has now completely forgotten our home, the supermarket she used to buy snacks from, the giggles she used to make, her toys, the big screen, her room, and all the kids she used to play with. Despite my repeated attempts to revive these details in her mind, they seem to have been erased from her memory.
After losing my home, I refuse to lose the opportunity to pursue my studies. I shared my story not only as a personal account but as a plea for support. Your attention and assistance can make a profound difference, not just in my life but in the lives of countless others who yearn for a future free from the scars of war. As the darkness of uncertainty lay ahead, your actions can be a source of hope. I urge you to stand with me, with Gaza, and with all those who endure the consequences of conflict. Your support is crucial in rebuilding shattered dreams and creating a brighter future for me, my husband and my 3 children (Nemer, Omer and Zahr).
Note:
Donations will cover :
Expenses of leaving Gaza in case its difficult to evacuate from Rafah crossing with ordinary coordination which is around 10,000$ for each family member . ( 5 members)
The stay in Cairo for 2 weeks waiting for the travel arrangement.
Flight tickets.
Settlement expenses ( flat rent , furniture , winter gear , health insurance and living cost)
time is extremely sensitive , which means that time will cost blood and lives.
Find more about Faten:
https://atlascorps.org/scholar-leads-women-empowerment-project-at-united-nations-for-relief-work-agency/
Here is my mother interview with Al-Jazeera:
Organizer and beneficiary
Faten Jarad
Organizer
Mississauga, ON
Shaban Alfaleet
Beneficiary