I am Raed Abu Mustafa, from Gaza.

I write these words with a heart burdened beyond words, beyond human capacity to bear.

In this war, I didn't just lose a home… I lost my son, a piece of my soul, and I lost my brother, my support and strength in this life.

They were both martyred, and I am left to carry the pain of loss every day, every night, with every breath.

Our house was bombed and destroyed, and our memories turned to rubble.

We were displaced and homeless countless times, from place to place, searching for a safe haven,

until we ended up in a tattered tent that offers no protection from the winter's cold or the harsh rain.

Today, we are not living… we are merely trying to survive.

We are drenched with every drop of rain, our bodies shivering from the cold,

and we go to sleep fearing that morning will bring even more pain or that we will have lost what little we have left.

I don't ask for luxury, nor a life of extravagance.

I only ask for survival.

I ask for warmth to protect us from this harsh winter,

and a roof that won't collapse on our heads,

and a little bit of security after all we've lost.

If my words have reached your heart,

and if you are able to help,

know that your support could save a broken family,

and give us a small glimmer of hope to cling to amidst this darkness.

From Gaza…

From the heart of pain…

I extend my hand to you, not out of weakness, but in search of the humanity that still lives in this world.