Introduction:

My name is Omar Al-Najjar, and I'm a dedicated Internship doctor serving in the war-torn Gaza Strip. Since graduating from medical school in 2023, I've been committed to providing the best care to my patients. Little did I know that I would be faced with the heart-wrenching task of treating wounded friends and family members in the emergency room due to the ongoing conflict.

Life Before the War:

Before the war, life in Gaza was already fraught with challenges - from the lack of electricity and clean water to constant escalations and closed crossings. Even within hospital walls, medication shortages resulted in tragic losses. Amidst the backdrop of my family's economic hardships, our home—a lush oasis on the outskirts of Khan Younis—served as a sanctuary from the harsh truths of our surroundings, offering solace, peace, and hope amidst the turmoil.

Personal Achievements and Aspirations:

Despite growing up in Gaza, I relentlessly pursued opportunities to excel. From organizing medical conferences to earning scholarships and participating in exchange programs, I strived to make a difference in the medical field.

The Onset of War:

On the second day of the relentless war on Gaza, my family and I fled our neighborhood, terrified of the bombs and artillery shells indiscriminately pounding into our surroundings. Each explosion tore our souls apart—we knew we were losing our sanctuary.. It was the beginning of a nightmare, one that has no end in sight..

For my family, the misery of displacement has become routine: we’ve relocated four times since October 7. We narrowly escaped death at the first place we sought refuge. Three bombs were dropped on the building we were staying in, but miraculously none of them exploded. We tossed my sister's daughters from the third floor to save them from the flames that resulted from the strong impact of the rockets hitting the building.

The third time we moved was the most agonizing. When the cease-fire collapsed in early December, a succession of bombs was dropped in eastern Khan Younis, where my parents had been sheltering with relatives. We could feel the earth shaking as we raced to the center of town in search of safety.

Heart-Wrenching Choices:

In the midst of the healthcare system's collapse and its urgent need for every helping hand, I made a personal vow to remain by the patients' side. I volunteered day and night, sleeping and waking among them, from the second day of the war until now. I haven't had more than four consecutive hours of sleep since then, nor have I slept with my family. To the point where I've developed severe muscle tension.

I could return to the Nasser Medical Center, but my family’s best option was to settle in a crowded schoolyard with no tent, blankets, or mattress pads.They were freezing and vulnerable to shrapnel from nearby bombings. I was left in a painful predicament, helping my parents or my patients, who were suffering from serious injuries, such as bleeding, deep wounds, limb fractures, skull fractures, and others. 

It was an impossible choice between helping save the lives of the wounded or those of my family. I couldn’t tolerate seeing my parents suffer further, and I decided we would relocate to Rafah, where a friend offered to take them in. My sister and her four daughters, including a newborn, set up a tent on the side of the road, and I started volunteering at the Kuwaiti Hospital, where a steady stream of wounded people were arriving at the emergency room

In these cold and difficult nights, I tried to document what happened to me and succeeded in writing an article, which I published in the NY Review of Books. I would be honored if you have time to read it: https://archive.is/L5ezv

The Urgent Need for Rebuilding:

During this war, nothing broke me like the destruction of our home, with its lush garden and memories. It wasn’t only our home, but the entire al-Najjar neighborhood in Khuza’a was erased in a controlled demolition. The homes of my uncles, aunts, and cousins all suffered a similar fate.

My father poured his blood, sweat, and tears into building our home. Brick by brick, he constructed the place where I grew up, learned, and laughed. Our home’s demolition wiped away my dream of a stable future. We now have nowhere to go when the war ends. I fear we’ll continue to live a scattered existence between friends’ and relatives’ homes and the streets.

My parents have always prioritized my needs, but I worry how they will recover from this brutal war. I have plans to continue my career in medicine, but I’ve wondered recently whether I’ll need to leave that behind to help my mom and dad find their footing.

Call to Action: 

Now, my hopes to continue on this path vanish, if I don't help my family emerge from this chaos. My parents are committed to staying in Gaza and would like to rebuild their home in Khuza’a.. That's why this campaign is important—to rebuild our home, revive our neighborhood, and breathe new life into our future.

If you’re able to contribute to my family’s effort to find a way forward, we will always be grateful.  

For too long, we have been denied the right to a normal life, the simple pleasures of home and family. But we refuse to surrender to despair. We refuse to let our dreams be drowned in the sea of suffering that surrounds us.

To rebuild, we’ve outlined a comprehensive plan divided into phase  

House area: 150 square meters.

Phase One:
- $3000 Rubbles removal
- $2000 Temporary tent with bathroom

Phase Two: Building the house structure
- House structure, cost per square meter (skeletal) $140 (150*140 = $21,000)

Phase Three: House finishing
- Cost of finishing per square meter $160 (160*150 = $24,000)

All information above is from the municipality engineer of Khuza’a, assuming commonly agreed-upon prices.

Fiscal Sponsor: Funds from this campaign will be collected by One Nation UK, a registered charity in the United Kingdom. All funds collected will be directed to One Nation who will then disburse funds and ensure safe and transparent delivery.