Hello everyone! My name is Madhura and I'm based out of Boston, MA. I am helping to raise funds for my friend Diana and her family in Gaza.

In the past few months, I've had the honor of getting to know Diana and her family. They have suffered immensely, are under constant bombardment from the occupation, and are struggling to access necessities such as food and water. All of the crossings into Gaza have been closed for months now, and virtually no aid is entering the strip. Additionally, due to the lack of nutritious food and clean water, health crises have continued to worsen, making daily life a major challenge.

Here is Diana's story in her own words:

I am a mother of two children, Misk (who is two years old) and Ahmed (who is one year old). Ahmed was only a month old when the war began. He is now walking on his feet and taking his first steps in life. He has grown up hearing the sound of bombing and seeing destruction, experiencing constant fear and instability. He wakes up every day terrified and falls asleep to the sounds of bombs. He has never had the chance to live his life like other young children, and he has never felt safe. Misk, too, was one year old and now she is two. You have to see her when she hears the sound of bombing, how she runs away crying, trying to find safety. How hideous this is: a two-year-old girl understands the meaning of bombing and destruction, and constantly witnesses death in front of her.

Before the war, my husband worked as a fisherman. We used to be able to get by every day, and now we can't provide Pampers (diapers) and milk for our children. They suffer from diseases and allergies due to the extreme heat, the lack of healthy food, the polluted water. These two children have grown up watching massive destruction, and they are controlled by fear of the simplest things. They have the right to live safely like the rest of the world's children.

Everything changed at the beginning of October 7th. After two weeks of war, we had to leave home, fleeing from random, staggering missiles. We left our house carrying our few clothes and personal belongings, and we took refuge in the city of Rafah, in the south of the Gaza Strip. The last months have been full of death, fear, and displacement. It has been like a nightmare that has destroyed our hope, our memories, and our homes. We did not expect that one day we would reach this difficult time.

We ask you to share this fundraiser with anyone you know to reach more people before it ends. We have seen the importance of sharing it with friends and families, even with someone you don't know, in case you can't donate. We will never forget your kindness in our difficult times. Thank you.

The prices of basic goods are currently extremely expensive. The funds raised from this will be used to help the family access food, milk, diapers, and basic goods for their children. Here is a breakdown of some of the costs:

Diana and her family are also hoping to eventually evacuate, and costs for crossing are typically $5,000 - $7,000 for one person alone, as reported by NPR and the OCCRP.

We truly appreciate your support in our efforts to help Diana and her family. Please consider donating or sharing our campaign, and you are welcome to contact me with any questions you may have!