In the heart of Gaza, where trauma has become a daily reality and survival is never guaranteed, HopeNest exists to offer something rare and life-changing – safety, connection, and moments of joy. What we do here is not easy. But it is essential.
Our centre, led by the incredible Sujud, a local child psychologist, provides trauma-informed workshops that offer children a moment to breathe – a moment to feel like children again. In a place where explosions are more familiar than playgrounds, HopeNest becomes a sanctuary. Children draw, paint, express their grief and dreams, and simply play — surrounded by others who understand their pain and their hope.
But the reality of Gaza does not fade when our workshops end.
Sujud often sends us updates that are difficult to read. Some days, her messages carry both devastation and relief: “I was caught in the centre of an attack, but thank God I am safe.” This is the daily context in which she and our team work — a context where even planning a workshop requires courage, flexibility, and faith. The children come hungry – literally. Sujud tells us regularly that many children arrive having eaten very little or nothing at all. Yet, they come – for connection, for colour, for comfort.
This past Eid, we were able to host a special event for 80 children — a day of laughter, storytelling, expressive arts, and most importantly, a warm meal. For many, this was their first joyful gathering in months. But as our team set up, children began gathering at the door — many more than we had resources for. Dozens stood outside, hoping to be let in, peeking through the doorway for a glimpse of safety and celebration. It was beautiful and heartbreaking all at once.
This is what makes your sponsorship so powerful.
When you give to HopeNest, you’re not giving to an abstract cause. You are placing crayons in the hands of traumatised children. You are funding warm meals after days of hunger. You are protecting the people, like Sujud, who risk their lives to bring emotional healing to others. And you are telling the children who wait outside our doors, “We see you. We are coming for you too.”
HopeNest is small but growing. With your help, we can increase our reach, expand our capacity, and turn no child away. Gaza’s reality may not change overnight — but together, we can ensure more children carve out moments of safety, joy, and belonging.
We invite you to walk with us. Sponsor a child’s healing. Feed a hungry heart. Be part of this sacred work.
Because every child deserves a nest – and every nest needs a builder.
