Friend, I want to introduce you to Marwa, a 21-year old student in Gaza, who has shared her experience of living in crisis with UNICEF.
Marwa once had a normal life — one where she could study at school safely, have access to basic necessities and strive for her dream of becoming a surgeon.
Now, she spends her days living in constant fear. She tells us that it’s not just her own death that she fears, but also the death of her loved ones.
Each day, Marwa’s family struggles to survive, carrying water for long distances and cooking with fire, while seeking brief moments of peace to escape the harsh reality they face. Nights are filled with restlessness from the deafening sounds of surveillance drones — but nothing is more exhausting than the constant feeling of fear.
Like 1.7 million people in Gaza, Marwa and her family were forced to flee their home in search of safety.
Hear more about their harrowing experience in Marwa’s own words by listening to the voice memos she’s sent UNICEF >>
Marwa’s experience is similar to that of more than 625,000 young people in Gaza who are being deprived of an education as schools have been destroyed or closed. And it’s stories like Marwa’s that makes it clear how essential UNICEF’s work in Gaza is for children.
As a member of the UNICEF USA community, you have helped UNICEF deliver over 48 truckloads of aid in the past few weeks to children and families in Gaza, filled with vaccines, hygiene kits, sleeping mats, nutrition supplies and blankets.
With children out of school, UNICEF continues to work with local partners to organize recreational activities and support their physical and mental health.
Marwa’s account of her family’s experience has given us a glimpse of what life is like for millions of people in Gaza — and it inspires us to do even more to help. Take a moment to listen to Marwa’s story in her own words>>
Thank you for your steadfast support for children,
Shannon Coffey
UNICEF USA
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