I First Met SONDOS…

Through a mutual friend while organizing to connect Palestinian families who had been displaced during the Israeli assault on Gaza with people looking to donate to and help amplify their fundraisers. Sondos quickly reached out to me directly and conveyed the dire need of her and her family members. At only 19 years old, Sondos has been caring for her sick father, elderly grandmother who cannot walk, and her two young siblings. Her family had recently been sheltering in Rafah until their tent was lost in the fires following the occupation bombardment, with all of their worldly possessions inside. Since then, they had been living for months with absolutely no shelter to protect them from the brutal weather conditions. Being unable to escape the scorching sun has left the family repeatedly falling ill and prone to sunstroke. She wanted nothing more than the simple ability to shelter them from the bright rays of the sun so that they might have some small respite and the ability to heal. Our efforts working together began with the intention to purchase a tent to help purchase a tent to help protect her family from the brutal living conditions and quickly expanded to include a plan to raise funds to support her family’s eventual relocation from Gaza.

Within our first few conversations, it was clear that Sondos had a drive and determination that was astounding for a woman of her age. When the assault on Gaza began, she was just beginning her final year of high school, and had dreams of achieving high marks in her studies and going to university to complete an education in the field of the English language. A dream that, based on all of my exchanges with her, it is clear that she will absolutely thrive at, if only she could be given the chance.

What can you do to help?

Sondos and her family still desperately in need of donations to secure shelter and to help them meet their weekly expenses. Every cent raised on top of what they need to survive the current conditions will be set aside to help secure her and her family save for the costs of travel permits and legal documentation to relocate once the borders are reopened.

Linked here is their GoFundMe page where they are currently receiving funds.

The situation in Gaza continues to get more dire by the day and what little food is making its way in has become prohibitively expensive. Your donation makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE. If you can’t donate, please share their story and help us spread the word.

WHAT IS THEIR PLAN?

Sondo’s family shares her hardworking energy and tenacity and once had so many hopes and dreams for their life in Gaza. Her father operated a grocery store and was able to have steady work to support their family. Her mother had a university degree and was working as a teacher. Her young siblings were just at the beginning of their lives, dreaming of a bright future and enjoying the simple joys of childhood.

Their greatest hopes are to reignite these dreams in a place of safety where they can thrive and enjoy a life free from the threats of continuous starvation, extermination, fear and psychological disturbances that are their constant companions in their current situation.

Your support could be the difference between them being able to achieve these dreams or not.