Hope rising: Help my family to be in a safe place

My name is Baraa Abuasakar, and I am reaching out to you with a heartfelt plea for assistance during these challenging times. My family, residing among the 1.6 million internally displaced individuals in Rafah, Gaza, is confronting unimaginable hardships, and I am seeking your support to bring them hope and safety.

Over six years ago, I was granted a scholarship to pursue my studies in Spain—a journey made possible by the unwavering support of my family. Throughout the trials and tribulations, they remained my steadfast pillar of strength. With their encouragement, I successfully completed a master's degree and later earned a Ph.D in Biomedicine.

Living in Gaza, under siege for over 18 years, presents daily struggles for survival. Despite facing constant threats and limited access to basic necessities, my family steadfastly supported my academic pursuits, believing in the transformative power of education. My subsequent contribution to a groundbreaking treatment for pancreatic and colorectal cancer stands as a testament to the resilience and determination embedded in the spirit of Gaza.

However, the recent escalation of conflict has left my family trapped in the crossfire—living in perpetual fear, and deprived of shelter, food, and clean water. Forced to flee their homes during intense bombings, they now find themselves scattered and vulnerable.

Several weeks into the war in Gaza, my family contemplated leaving through the Rafah crossing, which is under the control of the Egyptian government. However, the crossing was closed, and their only option for safe passage required exorbitant sums—approximately $8,000-$10,000 per family member. To secure their place on the travel list, they were compelled to pay approximately $70,000 to the Egyptian authorities.

Devastatingly, my family, having lost all their belongings and property in Gaza due to the bombings as you see in the photos, was unable to gather such a significant amount. Now, they urgently need your support to facilitate their safe evacuation through the Rafah crossing.

With the assistance of a company called "Ya Hala," we aim to raise $70,000 to cover the necessary travel expenses. I humbly appeal to your generosity and compassion. Your contribution, no matter how modest, will serve as a beacon of hope for my family—reuniting them and offering the prospect of a brighter, safer future.

This fund will be allocated towards covering the Rafah crossing fees, various travel expenses, and enabling them to purchase essential necessities for their livelihood.

In this season of giving, let us join hands to make a tangible difference and illuminate the lives of those engulfed in darkness. Thank you for your kindness and support. Together, we can bring solace to a family torn apart by conflict.