Life for 14-year-old Alaa’ Jneid has always been difficult. Since losing his father seven years ago, his mother has struggled to provide for Alaa’ and his seven brothers and one sister. Alaa’s two older brothers Bassam and Shareef stopped their studies to support the family, but finding a job in Gaza is difficult and so far they have no permanent employment.
The family used to live in a small, unfinished house in the Ezbeth Abed Rabbu area of the Gaza Strip until their home was destroyed in a missile attack during the war in Gaza, one year ago.
Reduced to rubble
Like most other houses in the area, Alaa’ house was reduced to rubble. “We are homeless now,” said Alaa’s mother Nema Diab Jneid, “but I thank God every minute for keeping my children alive.”
“That day we left everything behind because the area was so dangerous. Under constant fire, we moved from one place to another. We had no shelter, no protection and no food.”
“My son Mazen was badly injured during this time and he still needs surgery on his arm,” she continued. “But I can’t quite believe that we are all still alive and I thank God for that.”
New house
“After the war came to an end we dreamt of returning to our beloved home, but all that was left was rubble. For a long time we shared a tent with two other families which was very difficult for all of us.
“Then I found this storeroom to rent and we live here now. We divided the small room so there is a place to wash and a place to cook, and this is now our home.”
“Immediately after the war Islamic Relief gave us kitchen sets, hygiene kits, food parcels, blankets and mattresses. And this helped us to start to get our life back to normal.
Psychosocial support
Alaa’ and his sister Zohdeya have been part of Islamic Relief’s orphan sponsorship programme since 2004. This provides the family with financial assistance allowing them to buy food, clothes and to ensure the younger children can go to school.
“Since Alaa’ and his sister have been supported by Islamic Relief, sunshine has brightened our lives,” said Nema. “I can take better care of my children and can cope with the difficulties in my life.”
After the conflict Alaa’ and Zohdeya also received psychological support from Islamic Relief to help them cope with the trauma of the conflict. Although Alaa’ is slowly coming to terms with what he experienced, he is still suffering and often feels depressed, affecting his performance at school.
Joy and sorrow
“I have seen things that will stay with me for many years,” said Alaa’. “You had to be there to feel the terror of the situation. But Islamic Relief stands with us in joy and sorrow and your assistance sustains my family and helps us to live with dignity.”