A Journey of Escape from Gaza's Violence

I urgently request your support for the survival of my dear friend Mai and her siblings, who are currently residing in the north of Gaza. They've endured unimaginable tragedies, from the heartbreaking loss of their wonderful and compassionate mother and other family members to the devastation of losing their childhood home within a few months. Below, you'll find a message directly from Mai and her siblings, Khaled, Ola, and Mohammad. -Faten

Dear Friends and Supporters,

We reach out to you with heavy hearts and a desperate plea as we face unimaginable circumstances in Gaza.

Our home was fully destroyed by bombings, leaving us without shelter, safety, or means of escape amid the ongoing crisis. We've faced displacement multiple times, and tragically, we've lost our beloved mother, uncle, and many other dear ones. Our situation is dire, with our lives constantly at risk.

We are four siblings – Khaled, Ola, Mai, and Mohammed – each with our own dreams and aspirations.

Khaled,

A 31-year-old dedicated surgeon had just completed his residency and was set to begin his career outside Gaza. He registered for the board exam, paid for travel and flight tickets, and was spending his last weekend in Gaza. He never imagined that this weekend would be the beginning of him being stuck there for 6 months and counting, losing the exam, the travel costs, and the opportunity itself. Ending up volunteering as a medic individually with some other doctors, he puts himself and his life at great danger in order to help the wounded and sick affected by the bombing. He insists on helping them because he believes that this is his humanitarian duty towards his homeland and the people he loves.

Ola,

A 29-year-old architect and artist, who has a passion for arts and plants, was working as a freelance interior designer with international interior designers online. She had designed numerous homes and projects, but recently lost her clients due to the electricity outages and the extremely poor internet connection in Gaza. Additionally, she had her own handmade project; she used to craft awesome pots and other decorative items. She saw her work come to a halt in October 2023 and lost everything.

Mai,

A 27-year-old passionate business developer in a private company, who cherishes every aspect of her life, from her friends to her career. Known for her radiant smile, she effortlessly lightens the mood with her humor, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere wherever she goes, putting people around her at ease. Mai's genuine love for building connections has been pivotal in both her personal and professional achievements. Yet, beyond her career success, her true aspiration lies in making a meaningful impact on the world by extending a helping hand to those in need.

Mohammed, or Medo,

A 24-year-old recent mechanical engineering graduate, was on the brink of starting his first full-time job before being caught in the crisis. He hopes to reunite with his friends and pursue his dreams.

We never imagined this could happen to us. Our lives have been put on hold for six months, filled with uncertainty about the future. Despite the challenges, we refuse to lose hope. We've made the difficult decision to evacuate Gaza in search of safety and an opportunity to rebuild our lives, leaving behind our damaged property, home, and land.

However, the costs of evacuation, transportation, and resettlement are overwhelming and beyond our means. We urgently need:

- $20,000 to cover expenses for crossing the Rafah border to Egypt and resettling elsewhere (5,000 per person x 4).

- $10,000 for living expenses over the next six months.

- $2,000 for Khaled's board exam expenses to pursue his surgical career.

- $5,000 for travel, flight tickets, and resettlement costs in Jordan, where some family members reside.

In addition to the GoFundMe and bank transaction fees.

Our journey doesn't end here. We pledge to pay forward the kindness we receive by aiding other families in escaping the cycle of violence, whether through donations (when cash is finally available) or sharing their stories. We are committed to extending a helping hand to those in need.

Your generosity can make a tangible difference in our lives and provide us with the opportunity to start anew. Every donation, no matter how small, brings us closer to safety and security.

Please consider sharing our story with your networks to amplify our reach and impact. Thank you from the depths of our hearts for standing with us in our time of need.

With profound gratitude,

Khaled, Ola, Mai, & Mohammed