Dear friends,

My name is Bushrah Malak and I am from England, Oxford. I am raising funds to help my dear friend Sondos Hasanat and her family in Gaza, who are facing unimaginable hardship. This appeal is critical, as they urgently need support to survive during this ongoing crisis.

Who are we supporting?

We are raising funds for Sondos Hasanat, her parents, and her extended family, who are living in the Mawasi Khan Younis refugee camp in Gaza. The family includes Sondos, her parents, siblings, and her baby nephew Hassoun. They have been displaced from their home due to the ongoing conflict and are currently living in a tent with no access to basic necessities.

Sondos's eldest brother, Ahmed, was a true hero in every sense. When their home was destroyed and they were forced into a refugee camp, Ahmed went back to the rubble of their former house, desperately searching for any remnants of food or supplies that could sustain his family. Tragically, during this act of courage, he was killed by the enemy. His death left a devastating hole in the family, especially for his young son, Hassoun, who now faces life without his father. Ahmed’s bravery and love for his family will always be remembered.

Despite the trauma of losing her home, her brother, and everything she once knew, Sondos has shown incredible strength. She has continued her law studies online from the refugee camp, using only her mobile phone to complete her coursework, even as her family endures extreme hardships. Her dream of becoming a lawyer remains alive, a beacon of hope and determination amidst the despair. Sondos's resilience in the face of such loss and adversity is a testament to her unwavering strength, and her commitment to education is a powerful symbol of her will to rise above the darkness surrounding her.

My relationship with the family

I have known Sondos Hasanat personally since 11th June 2024, when she reached out to me on Instagram asking for help. At first, I was extremely sceptical, but after some thought, I let go of my doubts and donated a small amount of money.

To my surprise, I received several voice notes from Sondos filled with heartfelt appreciation and gratitude, which left me feeling ashamed of my initial suspicions. This wasn’t fraudulent — it was genuine. It was more real than I could have imagined.

That moment sparked something in me. It deepened my curiosity about the situation in Palestine and raised my awareness of the immense suffering endured by Palestinians every day.

After that first interaction, I knew I had a responsibility — not just to help Sondos, but to help anyone who reached out to me in need.

Through countless messages, WhatsApp video calls, and shared laughter, our relationship blossomed into something truly special: a sisterhood.

As I got to know her, I realised she wasn’t simply a symbol of pain and struggle — quite the opposite. She’s incredibly funny, a beam of light, and full of boundless energy. Even in the face of everything she’s been through, she continues to smile.

Sondos is not just a friend — she is family. Despite everything she and her loved ones have endured, she continues to radiate strength, warmth, and hope. I’m sharing her story in the hopes that you’ll join me in supporting her. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a difference.

How will the funds be spent?

The funds raised will be spent on providing basic humanitarian support for Sondos and her family, including:

Winter clothing, blankets, and warm supplies to help them survive the cold winter in their refugee tent.

Medical supplies, including necessary medication for Sondos’s father, who is in poor health, and for her baby nephew, Hassoun, who urgently needs winter clothes, diapers, and milk.

Food and essential supplies to ensure that the family has access to nourishment during the coming months.

These funds will directly support their survival and dignity during this unimaginable crisis.

How will the funds be delivered to the beneficiaries?

Once the funds are raised, the money will be transferred directly to Sondos and her family. I will ensure the funds are used only for their immediate needs, and I will personally monitor the distribution to make sure that the money is spent on winter clothing, medical supplies, and food. The funds will be sent via secure channels to ensure they reach the family without delay.

Important Notes:

This fundraiser is strictly for humanitarian aid. No funds will be used for any form of armed conflict, weapons, defensive equipment, or military support.

The focus is entirely on providing basic survival support—clothes, food, medicine, and other essential needs for the family.

I’m not supporting any organisations or political groups. The funds will be used to directly aid individuals who are suffering and have no means to support themselves during this crisis.

Why is this urgent?

Sondos and her family are in immediate danger of suffering due to the severe conditions in the refugee camp. The weather is worsening, and access to basic supplies is becoming even more limited. The family is in desperate need of help to survive the winter months, and this appeal is their only chance for assistance.

Thank you for considering this urgent appeal. Your support will make a real and immediate impact on the lives of this family who are facing the darkest moments of their lives. With your help, I will ensure they have the basic essentials they need to survive.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Bushrah