OG GDM

Another glimpse into the life of Wael and her family in Gaza.

Four children. Parents doing everything they can. A family facing each day with courage despite injury, loss, and uncertainty.

Behind every image is a story of resilience, love, and hope.

Please keep this family in your thoughts and share their story if you can. ❤️‍🩹🙏

Update on Maryam Dawas.

I have received information that the camp where Maryam and her family were staying was struck. There have been reports of fatalities and injuries.

Maryam and her family survived and have relocated to an undisclosed location for safety.

At this time, I am still awaiting additional photos, videos, and updates from the family. I wanted to share what I know now and keep everyone informed.

Please keep Maryam, her family, and all those affected in your thoughts.

Over the past several months, I’ve spoken with many families living through unimaginable hardship.

When people reach out asking for help, I try to take my time. I listen, ask questions, and do my best to make sure the families I share are genuine. With so many conversations happening at once, it can sometimes take time before I fully connect a name to a face and a story.

Maha’s family was one of those families.

A while back, they sent me a video. At the time, I was busy speaking with families, working, and trying to keep up with everything happening around me. I didn’t fully realize what Maha was saying.

Recently, I apologized and asked their forgiveness.

Today, they sent me another video.

This time I heard her clearly.

“Uncle Joe, I’m Maha. I love you.”

Hearing those words stopped me in my tracks.

Maha is a young Palestinian girl whose family is living through challenges no child should ever have to face. Yet despite everything, she greeted me with kindness, innocence, and love.

Moments like this remind me that behind every message, every fundraiser, and every story is a real human being.

Thank you, Maha.

I hear you now. ❤️🇵🇸

Compassion

on Instagram⁠

Meet Asmaa, 22. 🤍

While many people her age are focused on building their future, Asmaa is focused on helping her family through some very difficult health challenges.

Her father is battling bladder cancer, and her mother struggles with ongoing health issues. Despite everything, she continues to show strength, faith, and love for her family. 🙏

Their request isn’t a large one. They’re simply trying to cover essential medical expenses and make life a little easier during an incredibly difficult time.

I wanted to share Asmaa’s story because behind every fundraiser is a real person, a real family, and real hope. 🕊️

Please take a moment to watch, share, and keep Asmaa and her family in your thoughts. ❤️

A message I received from Wael, a mother of four young children in Gaza.

Her husband was seriously injured during the war, suffering a fracture to his thigh bone that has left him unable to walk without assistance. Because of his injury, he is unable to work or provide for the family as he once did.

The family is living in a tent after losing their home. They are struggling to secure food, clean water, and basic necessities. One of their young children is suffering from malnutrition, making their situation even more urgent.

Wael reached out asking for help during this incredibly difficult time. Any support can help provide food, clean water, medical care, and essential needs for her children.

If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing their story. Every share gives this family a better chance of being seen.

❤️‍🩹 Humanity begins when we refuse to look away.

⚙️ SHATTERED MACHINE ⚙️

Break me.
Break me again.
Tear down every wall, every illusion, every version of me that no longer serves a purpose.

Let the machine shatter.

Because every crack lets the light in.
Every scar tells a story.
Every fall teaches me how to rise.

From the ruins within…
I rebuild.
Stronger. Wiser. Unbreakable.

🛡️🪽

⛓️ Chains of Faith ⛓️

Not every chain is meant to bind you.

Some are forged through every battle you survived.
Every prayer you whispered.
Every time you got back up when giving up seemed easier.

Link by link.
Step by step.
Faith carried me through the fire.

🎵 Chains of Faith — Joseph Hayek

These are Wesam’s sons:

🤍 Udai, 8
🤍 Qusai, 6
🤍 Amer, 4

Behind every headline is a family trying to survive, dream, learn, and stay together.

Their mother, Wesam, has shared these photos and videos with me so their story can be seen.

If you can help, please do. If you can’t, a share can go a long way. ❤️

A child’s education should never depend on whether their family can afford the next payment.

This is Kenzi.

Last month, Kenzi was pulled out of school because there wasn’t enough money to cover tuition. While other children are finishing the school year, Kenzi is facing uncertainty about whether there will even be a place in the classroom next year.

His family hasn’t given up hope. They are doing everything they can to raise the funds needed so Kenzi can return to school and continue building his future.

I’m honored that Jouri and Kenzi invited to collaborate on this post. If you’re able to help, support, share, or simply keep this family in your thoughts, it all makes a difference.

Every child deserves the chance to learn. ❤️