Rahaf... The 7-Year-Old Who Carries the Burden of Her Family on Her Small Shoulders

In one of Gaza's devastated neighborhoods, seven-year-old Rahaf lives a life unlike any other child's in the world. Before the war, Rahaf played and laughed with her siblings, but today's reality is completely different.

Her parents were seriously injured in the bombing and cannot move or work easily. Little Rahaf has become the "man" and "woman" of the tent life. From sunrise, Rahaf goes out carrying water jugs on her head or in her small hands, walking long distances under the scorching sun or in the rain to bring clean water (or something close to it) to her family. Water is expensive, the queues are long, and the road is fraught with danger and exhaustion.

Then, she barely returns home before taking her place in the queue at the charity "tekkiyeh," where hundreds of hungry people gather in front of the large containers. Rahaf stands patiently, holding her bowl, waiting for her share of the meager food that sustains them. Sometimes she returns empty-handed, and sometimes with a little bulgur or rice, which she shares tenderly with her family.

Rahaf doesn't complain. With childlike innocence, she says, "I want to help my mom and dad; they're tired." Her small hands are dirty with food and dust, her hair is disheveled from the wind and exhaustion, and her eyes carry a worry beyond her years. She doesn't ask for a toy or sweets; she simply wants to help her parents and for everyone to have a decent meal without queues and without fear.

This child is not just hungry and cold; he carries the hope of his entire family. Please pray for the children of Gaza, asking for their recovery and relief first and foremost. Your financial support is what transforms prayers into a tangible reality for these children.

"And whatever good you put forth for yourselves - you will find it with Allah." (Quran 2:110)
Together, we can restore hope to the children of Gaza.

The Children of Gaza Team