Mahmoud's Courage to Rebuild a Steady Life for His Family

My name is Mahmoud, I'm 23 years old, and I have a family of six. I always dreamed of becoming a football player, but I became responsible for my entire family at an age when I should still be learning and dreaming. Now, I live for them, for my sick mother, for my sisters, and for the hope that refuses to die within us.

Mahmoud, a 23-year-old from Gaza, lives with his family in a small, dilapidated room. His mother is battling cancer, his father is elderly, and his three sisters have lost everything. Their shelter offers them no protection from the scorching sun or the bitter cold of winter nights. Every day, they struggle against the wind, the cold, and the same despair.

Every day, I try to be their support and their hope, even though I'm the oldest. Every morning, I wake up and ask myself the same agonizing questions:

Where will we find food today?

Will we be able to get my mother's medicine?

Will our shelter withstand the rain or the fire?

How can I protect my family from hunger and cold?

Before the war, Mahmoud's mother was a strong woman who instilled hope in her family despite her illness. Today, her weakened body battles cancer without regular treatment. Obtaining medication has become nearly impossible due to the siege and soaring prices. She tries to hide her suffering, but even in her pain, she smiles to offer her children some respite. Mahmoud's elderly father is no longer able to work, and his health has deteriorated significantly since the family of six was displaced.

Mahmoud had to drop out of school because they couldn't afford the tuition. To make matters worse, Mahmoud desperately needs medical treatment for a torn ligament in his knee. My younger sister, a bright student with big dreams, had her future shattered by the war; her notebooks are now in ruins.

We cook over firewood we gather from the rubble, risking our lives because of the gas shortage. Even clean water has become a daily struggle. There is no income, no shelter, and no safety.

Your donations help cover the family's monthly expenses and alleviate Mahmoud's suffering:

Flour, food, and water: $300
Cancer medication for his mother: $200
Treatment and care for his knee: $100
Clothing, blankets, and personal hygiene items: $400

Mahmoud dreams of seeing his mother recover, his siblings return to school, his father rest without work, and him walking without pain. Most importantly, he dreams of his family living with dignity again.

Words may not be enough to describe our suffering. Some pains are indescribable. Every donation, every share, every word of support gives us hope. Share my story, spread the word, and help save my mother... and me too.

Every donation, no matter how small, makes a real difference in their lives.

With your help, you can provide medication for his mother, food for his siblings, or even help Mahmoud with the treatment for his injured knee, which causes him excruciating pain every night.

This campaign is managed by One Palestine, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 39-3059481). Donations directly support verified beneficiaries in Gaza, distributed on a scheduled payout basis. Every recipient is identity-verified, and all transfers comply with U.S. charity and anti-money-laundering regulations. Learn more at one-palestine.org.