Help 25 year old Ayman continue his education and survival

Update from Ayman October 31, 2024: Firstly, I would like to extend my sincere thanks and love to everyone who provided me and my family with a helping hand. I was able to get closer to my goal thanks to you. We only need 20% to reach the goal. We are struggling to survive under these difficult circumstances, and I tell you, my friends, that we need you more than ever. In order to save me and my family and be able to evacuate with the opening of the Rafah crossing soon, I ask you to help me reach the goal as quickly as possible. I love you.

Ayman..

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A note from Laura September 20, 2024: With Winter approaching and nearly an entire YEAR of terror, new survival challenges arise. Donations are needed now more than ever as shelter, food and water are at the utmost need, driving the already high costs even higher. Palestinians are exhausted, your donations give them hope.

Sincere thanks and the utmost gratitude to all the donors and social media supporters that are assisting in the survival of Ayman and his family. You are keeping them alive and providing hope in these dark days. 

-Laura

A note from Ayman September 13, 2024: "My father worked as a food trader and had a shop in Al-Zawiya Market in Gaza. Unfortunately, the war destroyed this shop and we lost all the goods and money in the store, and now we are without any source of income.

Our homes, our cars, our work, our studies, our money, our clothes, even our beautiful memories, all of this has been lost. Today we are displaced with nothing. We just want the days to pass so we can escape death and our future is unknown.

Therefore, you are our only hope to illuminate our dark future and rebuild the lives we lost...."

-Ayman

Follow Ayman on Instagram for more regular updates @ayman_mortaga

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Update from Ayman and Laura July 9th, 2024: Ayman and the Murtaja's have endured some of the most extreme heat and humidity on record with no electricity or proper shelter. This in combination with the bombs, tanks, drones, shellings, sieges and attacks creates some of the most hellish conditions imaginable.

Also stay tuned for Mutual Aid projects for disproportionate folks in Gaza. Cash and aid for the poor, disabled, elderly, non-English speaking people who need it most.

A note from Ayman July 9, 2024: "With the ongoing closure of the crossing, existing goods and foodstuffs are sold at very high prices, and medicines as well as drinking water and water for washing and cleaning are also sold at high prices. That's why we need you more than ever. So we can live here.Your support makes us able to live here.

We also need you so that we can start over and be able to buy a house instead of a completely destroyed one, as well as clothes and furniture. Also so that I can complete my dream and register at a University when the crossing opens. We are experiencing difficult conditions here with high temperatures and harmful insects and flies and constant bombing.

Don't leave us alone, we need you. Remember, you are saving innocent lives. All donation money goes to the right place.

(I wrote the words while crying, I am so sorry.)

No one knows how long the war will last, and no one knows when it will end. We have been at war now for 9 months, and the mass genocide and displacement are still continuing, and the costs are very high."

Sincere thanks and the utmost gratitude to all the wonderful donors and supporters.

Ayman and Laura

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Update from Laura and Ayman May 28th, 2024: Needs change by the minute in Rafah as the bombings, shellings and suffering are non-stop. Ayman and family are alive but struggling to survive so we are increasing the goal total once again to ensure their needs are met. Bombing on May 26 and 27th have made it impossible to sleep so they are exhausted. The internet connection during these atrocities is in and out of service as Ayman's phone can not accept sims.

From Ayman: "Moving from one place to another takes a lot of money and prices here are also very expensive. The situation is getting worse. We are waiting for the crossing to open so we can leave. We are asking you to help us live here so we can buy food, water and medicine. We live in a very difficult time. The closure of the (Rafah) crossing also had a significant impact."

Sincere thanks to all those who have donated <3 Your continued support means everything during these devastating times and is keeping this family alive.

Much love,

Laura and Ayman

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Update from Laura on May 11, 2024: As the situation in Rafah intensifies, Ayman has requested to increase the goal total so he can include his family members in his safety efforts. More from Ayman soon, as internet connection is challenging.

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My name is Laura, living on occupied Dakota territory / Minneapolis/Saint Paul, MN USA. I am fundraising on behalf of dear Ayman Murtaja, a 25 year old student, currently living in a makeshift tent in Rafah, Palestine. He, like so many Palestinians, lost his home, his job and much of his family. Before Oct 7th, Ayman was a student studying financial accounting at Al-Azhar University. The university has been completely destroyed along with so many dreams.

Please consider donating to this fund for Ayman to be able to continue his studies, his life and ability to thrive.

What the funds will be used for:

1. Immediate survival needs include water, food and shelter among the many unexpected costs of living in a war zone.

2. Evacuation fees

3. College tuition, books and study supplies fees.

4. College travel abroad fees and housing.

A note from Ayman April 7, 2024:

"Female students sleep indoors during the winter, and men sleep outside in tents set up during the holidays. Long storms have long since pitched our tents, and it has become very difficult to meet our basic needs

As you know, this situation is terrible for us - we cannot get food, flour, medicine, clean toiletries and even water. It is sold at very, very high prices

Traveling outside Gaza requires a large sum of up to $5,000 and sometimes $7,000. Different dreams now. I dream of a homeland, rebuilding our memories in Gaza, but this time in Egypt, so that I can complete my clear education for a new future. I would like to remain a lasting example of the beauty, courage and strength of Palestine

The situation in Gaza is becoming more dangerous and unpredictable by the minute. It is with great humility that I created this fundraiser, with the support of my online community who encouraged me to accept contributions to save my family. I am grateful for your words of encouragement and willingness to support us in this new development of self-sufficiency for my family.

Eviction fees are very expensive, especially since I have no source of income. Once we are able to evacuate, your donations will cover our travel expenses. There will be meal expenses, wardrobe expenses, emergency expenses, etc. but no generous contribution will be wasted.

❤️ Thanks for reading my story. To share my story with your friends and family. God willing, there will be a ceasefire, and we can get the comfort and security we deserve to build our lives again."

Ayman Murtaja

Stay Connected:

Insta gram find @ ayman . mort aga

Questions for Laura-- DM on Instagram @laurafulk

Your support and humanity is very much appreciated.

Laura and Ayman