From Gaza: A Passion for Design and a Dream for Stability
Deep within the alleys of Gaza, a life story full of pain and challenges unfolded, where the heart of a young man named Hasan clung to a single dream—one that began to fade amidst the ruins of war.
This article is part of a series highlighting voices from Gaza, supported by Feijoa Dispatch and FightBack.
I’m Hasan, a web designer and developer working remotely for a Saudi company. My passion for design has always been a driving force in my life, shaping not just my career but also my dreams for my family’s future. I lived with my wife and my two young children, Amir and Osama, in a rented house filled with warmth and cherished moments.
For years, we dreamed of having a place to call our own, a home where we could finally escape the burden of rent that had weighed on us for half a decade. After years of hard work and saving, that dream finally became a reality—we purchased a home that symbolized a bright future for our family.
I secured a $64,000 bank loan, committing to a $532 monthly payment, and poured my heart into designing every detail of the house. I envisioned every corner, every wall, crafting a space where my children could grow up safely, surrounded by love and security. The construction phase filled me with excitement, as I watched our long-awaited dream take shape.
War Shattered Everything
But on the morning of October 7, 2023, everything changed. War violently invaded our peaceful lives, and we found ourselves trapped under relentless bombings that intensified day by day. Fear consumed us as destruction spread throughout Gaza, leaving no place untouched.
Weeks of horror passed. Electricity, internet, and communication were cut off. There was no safe place to go, no way to protect my family. With no other option, we were forced to flee.
We sought refuge in Rafah, where we now live in a small tent, struggling to shield ourselves from the bitter cold and rain. Life in the tents is unimaginable—our food consists mainly of canned goods, and the water we drink is contaminated. Prices have skyrocketed due to greedy merchants, and diseases spread rapidly in the overcrowded shelters. Every day feels like a prison sentence, with no end in sight.
Losing Everything—Even Our Memories
And then, on December 30, 2023, while the world celebrated the arrival of the New Year, we were struck by another devastating blow—our dream home was completely destroyed before we had even lived in it for a single day. A single missile erased the place that was meant to be our sanctuary, reducing it to ashes.
The destruction did not stop there. Our rented home—the place that had held our memories, our laughter, our belongings—was also obliterated. Everything we owned was gone.
But the pain runs deeper than just the loss of material things. My son, Amir, who has yet to complete kindergarten, longs for the life we once had. Every day, he asks about the home that held his laughter and joy. One night, he looked up at me with sorrow in his eyes and asked:
"Dad, are all our memories gone?"
His words shattered me. How do you explain to a child that war has not only taken away walls and furniture but the very place where his dreams and innocence once thrived?
Why We Need Your Help
The war has taken our home, our security, and our possessions, but it has not taken away the burden of the bank loan. Despite losing everything, I am still expected to continue paying for a house that no longer exists.
With no financial stability and no home to return to, we urgently need your support to rebuild our lives. Your help can give my family a second chance, a new place to call home, and a future where my children can feel safe again.
War may have stolen my home, but it will never take away my passion for my work or my ability to dream again. With your support, we can build a new future, a place where my family can once again find peace.
I thank you for your support and assistance during this difficult time.
You can donate to help Hassan and his family here.
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