Last week, I got in touch with Amira from Gaza. She currently lives in a tent with her two children and husband.
I spoke with her over text, as she was not able to talk on the phone. She explained to me what her life was like prior to the war, how she lives now, and what her feelings are about a ceasefire being called.
Unlike most of my articles, I feel it is important for Amira to share her story in her own words, and so I have kept my own input to a minimum.
Amira’s story
Prior to the war, Amira, 31, worked as an accountant in Gaza. She lived with her husband, Yahai, 34, and her daughters, Zeina, 8, and Noor, 6.
After the war began, they were displaced from their home, and they now live in the Dair el Balah, a city in the central Gaza.
I started by asking Amira about her life:
“We live in a plastic tent. It does not protect us from the heat in summer or the cold in winter. We live without a source of income after my husband and I lost our jobs.
We suffer from a lack of clean water and healthy food. As a result of the pollution of the available water, my daughter Noor was infected with pityriasis rosea and Zeina was infected with a skin virus on her head. How difficult it is seeing your children suffering but you cannot do anything to help them…
I lost my job, which I loved very much. I was denied the opportunity to complete my master’s degree. Our future and our lives were ruined.
My children have lost the ability to live in peace and security. We sleep to the sound of shells and wake up to the sound of bullets. Blood and killing surrounds us from every direction and from every side.
Amira also shared with me what she hopes for in the future:
“I feel I cannot imagine the coming future because of fear. I fear that I will not be able to leave and will remain trapped here with my family in this destruction. But, I dream and I have hope that I will be able to leave. Then, God willing, we can build a better future and a decent life.
A safe environment for me and my children.”
At this point in our conversations, the ceasefire deal was announced. I asked Amira how she felt about this news:
“The bombing around us is hysterical and insane. We are swinging between fear and hope. I wish I could close my eyes and find the ceasefire has truly come into effect, and my family and I are safe. All I dream of now is simply a secure future for me and my children.”
Finally, I asked Amira if she had any message for those who read this article:
“I appeal to all compassionate human hearts. Please embrace our story and stand by us. Any contribution, no matter how small, will help us build a better life… We need your support more than ever to start a new journey in a new world outside of Gaza. Your help and support will help secure the lives of my children.”
Since the start of the war on October 7, more than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza. It is also estimated that 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced because of the war.
Amira is currently fundraising to support her family. Any funds raised will go towards buying food and clean water for her children. More so, Amira hopes to raise enough money to get her family to Egypt. The cost of travel from Rafah to Egypt is $5,000 to $7,000 per person. She urges anyone who can to donate to her cause here: https://chuffed.org/project/120680-a-mothers-plea-surviving-under-the-fire-of-war
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