Meet Rabhi Ishtiwi.

My name is Rabhi. I an 23 years old and currently living in Gaza, amidst the devastation that has consumed our homes, lives, and dreams. As I write to you, I am holding on to the memories of a past that once carried hope and to the vision of a future where that hope can be rebuilt.

The recent events have brought unimaginable tragedy to my family. Our home, the place where we gathered for countless moments of laughter, comfort, and unity, became a target. My family and I were inside, alongside beloved relatives, when it was struck. Many of them did not survive. I, by some miracle, emerged from the rubble with minor injuries, but the scars I carry in my heart are far deeper. The faces of my nephews, the laughter of my family members—all now silenced by the destruction that surrounds us.

Amidst this sorrow, I’m fighting to hold on to the dreams I once cherished. Football was not just a sport for me; it was my purpose and my pride. I am a professional footballer, and, like the players of the Palestine national team, I have played in every local tournament, winning both individually and collectively. Football taught me discipline, resilience, and unity—qualities that I now rely on more than ever to keep moving forward. My dream is to one day see Gaza filled with the spirit of competition, the sounds of cheering fans, and the hope of a brighter future.

However, I cannot achieve this dream alone. The resources and support I once had are gone, and rebuilding from nothing is an overwhelming task. I am reaching out, humbly asking for help to restore what was taken by the war. I am asking not just for myself, but for every family and child who has lost their home, their dreams, and their loved ones. Any support would not only help rebuild our homes but also restore the hope and resilience that war has tried to take from us.

Thank you for your compassion and for reading my story. I hope to one day express my gratitude in a world where my nephews can play, where my family’s legacy is honored, and where our lives are once again filled with joy and peace.

With sincere hope,

Rabhi Ishtiwi.