Urgent Appeal to Save Al-Shorafa Family from Gaza.

Dearest compassionate souls,

I reach out to you from the depths of my heart, amidst the turmoil of a crisis that threatens to consume us whole. My name is Mena Al-Shorafa, a 17-year-old high school senior, but more importantly, I am the voice of my shattered family in Gaza.

In the midst of relentless conflict, Gaza has become a place of unspeakable horror, where every moment is a battle for survival. My family, consisting of three sisters, four young brothers, and our parents, is clinging to hope amidst the chaos that has torn apart our once peaceful home.

We fled our beloved sanctuary in Gaza City’s Al-Rimal neighborhood, now turned into a massive destruction caused by the merciless barrage of airstrikes. Our home, once filled with laughter and love, now stands as a haunting reminder of the violence that has torn apart our lives. We were forced to leave our home on 11th November 2023, adding to the anguish of displacement.

Yet, even as we sought refuge in Rafah, the specter of danger looms over us. The blockade imposed by the Israeli army prevents our return to Gaza, leaving us stranded in a state of perpetual fear. Each day brings with it the harsh reality that our lives hang in the balance, with no certainty of what tomorrow may bring.

On the fateful day of 6th May 2024, we were forced to evacuate once again as the Israeli army invaded Rafah, marking the seventh time we have been displaced since the beginning of this war. We endured intense shelling during the evacuation, facing imminent danger to our lives as the bombardment commenced just thirty minutes after the evacuation orders were issued by the Israeli army. We were not given any time to spare.

Finding a new place to shelter proved immensely challenging. We managed to acquire a small 4m x 4m canvas tent, but we have been unable to secure any basic necessities such as bathroom facilities or cooking amenities. Our entire family now resides in this cramped tent, enduring unbearable heat during the day without respite.

In light of these dire circumstances, I implore you to heed our desperate plea for assistance. Your support is crucial in enabling us to secure the bare minimum for survival and livelihood. Additionally, we seek assistance in our endeavor to seek refuge elsewhere and attain a semblance of safety akin to that enjoyed by our fellow human beings.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your compassion and humanity in our darkest hour.

With unwavering gratitude,

Mena Al-Shorafa