Mahmoud ran a grocery store. His wife, Maha, was an optometrist at a medical center. After work, they took care of their two children—Nabil and Juri. An ordinary family. What makes them different? They are Palestinians, whose lives unfold in the Gaza Strip. From one day to the next, they lost everything.

Currently, they still live in an occupied and shelled area. And although survival is the priority, daily life goes on. Not only food and clothing are needed, but also sanitary supplies and disinfectants, so that bodies weakened by stress and malnutrition are kept away from illnesses. Like any parents, Mahmoud and Maha want to provide their children with a sense of normalcy. They don't want to deprive them of small pleasures, such as toys or crayons.

Every bit of help matters. The amount raised is just a drop in the ocean of needs, but it will allow the family to breathe easier, even if just for a few weeks.

My name is Iwona. I got in touch with the family online. We became friends. I couldn’t ignore the tragedy that affects such warm and kind people. After the fundraiser ends, I will transfer the money to Mahmoud through PayPal. I will document and publish the entire process here.