Moaz Mohamed Haggag, 23, "I want people to hear my story... in the hope that this will shine a spotlight on the people of Gaza and the hardships they face..." -

Born and currently living in Gaza, Palestine, Moaz Mohamed Haggag, 23, maintains an unbreakable focus on his university studies of management information systems, now in his fourth and final year before completion. 

Moaz’s commitment is beyond impressive as his family has been displaced over 20 times since their home was “completely destroyed,” Moaz told me, “reduced to ashes, and I cannot return because my home area is under the control of the Israeli army.”

He and his family of 8 have since endured conditions as unstable and challenging as any, with basic needs like food, water, and shelter coming without regularity or ease. 

The photos he has shared with me of what life was like before coming under attack, as well as video and pictures and what life is like now, underline much of the suffering and loss the world is seeing in Palestine. 

Moaz’s discipline in meeting the immediate needs that are keeping him and his family alive, as well as holding to the goal of graduating to build the better life that he and his family deserve, amount to one of the most inspiring and critical stories I have come across. 

The stakes behind Moaz’s studies are incredibly high, as he said on his Chuffed fundraiser page, “Education is not just a degree for me - it is my only hope for a safe and dignified future.” 

I am proud to support Moaz however I can, and as we have been messaging each other between Gaza and Los Angeles, he said his goal of $600 to pay off his university fees is well within reach. 

“I want to continue my studies, but I can't register because of accumulated university fees,” Moaz told me. “All I want is to complete my studies. I owe $600 in university fees and cannot register because of this amount. I hope you can help me pay the fees so I can complete my studies.”

Anytime Palestinians take time to share their stories with me, I fully appreciate that the bandwidth they are lending take away from essential tasks that need their energy to keep themselves and their communities alive. 

Moaz was incredibly generous in providing the following answers to questions I sent him, with the hope that elevating his story can gain support for his objectives, as well as raise awareness for all Palestinians who need our love and support however possible. 

As common as it may seem, Moaz was also proud to share his grades with me.

Given what he has gone through to attain these marks, a better GPA does not seem possible. 

“My university GPA is excellent, and I hope to receive assistance. These are my grades. I hope someone can help me register for my remaining credit hours.

“My family here is truly suffering; there is no source of income, and I struggle to access internet and electricity for school due to the high costs.”

What is your full name, age, and birthplace? 

My name is Moaz Mohamed Haggag. I am 23 years old. My date of birth is September 7, 2003.

Where are you located now, and how long have you been there? Who are you living with?

I currently live in the Al-Nasr district of Gaza. I am unable to return to my original residence because it is under military control; my home has been destroyed. I am currently living with my family.

I was born in this city, and I will die in it.

What was life like for you before you and your family moved? 

Before the war, we lived a decent life; now, however, our situation has become extremely difficult, and we have absolutely no source of income.

How are you able to get online?

I access the internet using prepaid cards sold on the street. When I need to sit down and study, I often have to walk unimaginable distances just to find a place with available electricity and internet—a necessity that comes at a very high cost.

Please share how you are getting water, food, energy, and shelter at this time. 

I obtain water from water trucks that pass through the streets; however, this process is exhausting, and the supply is rarely sufficient to last even a single day.

Currently, my only means of support is through donations.

What sources of hope are you drawing on?

I want people to hear my story—to hear about my family, my dire circumstances, and the immense suffering we are enduring—in the hope that this will shine a spotlight on the people of Gaza and the hardships they face.

On a personal note, Moaz was also kind enough to share the following messages with me. 

I am proud and humbled to give my writing in service to Moaz and the people around him in Palestine, and I would extend his sentiments to anyone who is in a place to support Palestinians with whatever resources and talents they have to share, as small or large as these efforts may be, they work to inspire others to do likewise, and are seen by those who need them most. 

“Thank you so much for your kind words — they truly mean a lot to me. I deeply appreciate the time and care you’re putting into this work, and it’s inspiring to see you using your writing to support and highlight stories from Palestine.

“I’m really grateful to be part of this, and I look forward to seeing how your work continues to grow. Please keep me updated — it means a lot.”