A Father’s Fight: One Family's Struggle for Survival Amid Gaza’s Heartbreaking Reality
In the face of unimaginable terror and destruction, Mohammad Alarja’s plea is a haunting reflection of the daily horrors experienced by countless families in Gaza.
His story paints a grim picture of survival under siege—his family of 11, including children, the elderly, and a pregnant woman, is trapped in an unforgiving reality without access to basic necessities like food, medicine, and safety.
Mohammad's mission is simple but profoundly urgent: evacuate his loved ones to a place in Gaza where they can live without the constant fear of death. Alas, there is no safe place in Gaza.
The streets of Gaza, littered with rubble and echoes of violence, have become a cage from which Mohammad is desperately trying to free his family. Their suffering isn't isolated; it's part of a collective trauma, but Mohammad’s voice, raw and full of emotion, offers a personal glimpse into this larger crisis. He is a proud man who has worked to give his family a livable life in Gaza before the genocide took away all sources of his income. Today, Mohammad and his family consider themselves fortunate if they manage to find a meal once a day, usually around lunchtime, and it’s often nothing more than a simple bowl of lentil soup.
Mohammad shares the heart-wrenching reality of caring for his aging parents amid genocide, one of whom suffers from Parkinson’s disease. Just weeks ago, his father, Baba—the emotional anchor of the family—tragically passed away from a heart attack. The grief was too much to bear after learning a loved one had been killed in an airstrike. Overwhelmed by the loss, Baba collapsed, dying in Mohammad’s arms within the confines of a shattered tent. The pain of watching his father’s life slip away in such despair is an unimaginable burden. When Mohammad reached out to us, we could sense he was in pain, but he had no way to give up, as his family is entirely dependent on him and his brother.
Mohammad, who is a father of twins, is also expecting another baby. His pregnant wife faces health risks. A fractured medical system, decimated by the ongoing genocide, means the basic healthcare they need is nonexistent. Imagine a child crying in hunger or an elderly woman trembling from illness, unable to receive treatment because the hospitals have been bombed or medicine is scarce. This is not an exaggeration, but Mohammad’s daily reality. His urgent concern is how and where his wife will give birth. He tells us about the temporary field hospitals, which are his only option. However, field hospitals are not equipped to handle deliveries.
The strength required to protect his family amid such chaos is staggering. Mohammad is appealing to our community for help—not just to secure funds but to reignite hope in a place where hope has long been extinguished. He currently lives in a makeshift torn tent next to a dumping yard, with dozens of families living in similar conditions. Can you imagine being nine months pregnant in such an environment? His plea is not just a fundraiser; it is a lifeline, an urgent call for compassion and humanity from those of us who can afford to offer it.
No human should have to wake up each day wondering if they will make it through the night, especially not children. And yet, this is the heartbreaking routine for Mohammad's family and so many others caught in Gaza’s ceaseless genocide.
The money raised will facilitate a proper shelter—possibly the only path to survival. It’s not just financial assistance but a testament to human solidarity in the face of catastrophic suffering.
With each donation, Mohammad edges closer to securing the future of those he loves, inching them out of the shadow of death and into survival and hope. Please try to help Mohammad and his family with whatever you can. Every little bit counts. Kindly share his story so he can get more eyes on his situation.
Twitter— @MoHammedArja2
Paypal Link— https://www.paypal.me/AmelAmelia284
Gofundme Link— https://gofund.me/3246a139
UPDATE: Recently, the friend who was helping Mohammad had their PayPal account blocked. Mohammad’s brother started a new PayPal account to support his family. If you can spare the change for a coffee and donate to Mohammad’s family, it will be of great help to this young man and his family. Please note the GoFundMe campaign is being run by Mohammad’s ally and being monitored by his brother.
New PayPal Link: https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/9gFzxza3jz
I sent a warm note and $50-rest of my PayPal balance.
My Jewish ancestors have lost their humanity. Many of us here in 'the States' are appalled but stymied in what to do. So we pray for you every day to He Who created all. We will find a solution! We know what the final is - a free and independent Palestine. I know one candidate for president will do everything she can to get this done. We send our love too -0 for what it is worth.