A Call from Gaza: Saving My Family from Siege and Death

## A Call from Gaza: Saving My Family from Siege and Death

Dear compassionate friends,

#### Introduction

I am Ahmed Matar, a Palestinian from Gaza, a father of five children aged between 15 and 2 years. In addition to my responsibility for my family, I also bear the burden of caring for my elderly parents and my married brother who supports two children. Given the dire economic conditions in Gaza and the imposed restrictions, I decided to migrate a week before the war erupted, searching for a dignified life for my family and my brother's children, hoping to provide them with education and a better future.

#### Harsh Conditions

The situation in Gaza worsened with repeated closures and harsh living conditions, making it difficult for me to meet the basic needs of my family, my brother's family, and my parents. With the onset of the war, things deteriorated further. My family is now living under siege and war, amid constant fear and anxiety of death at any moment, with no access to electricity, water, communications, or healthy food, which worsens the living conditions.

#### Decision to Migrate

A week before the war, I decided to leave Gaza to apply for asylum and work in another country with the aim of improving the living conditions for my family and ensuring a good education for the children. Upon reaching the refugee camp, I could not work due to the restrictions imposed on refugees until the asylum application is accepted, which increased my struggle to secure living expenses for my family, my brother's family, and my parents.

#### Current Living Situation

- **My brother's family**: Needs 400 euros per month for living expenses.

- **My family**: Needs 500 euros per month.

- **My parents**: Need 300 euros per month.

- **Total monthly**: 1200 euros.

With the spread of Hepatitis, the children's health was affected due to weakened immunity, increasing the financial pressures to cover medical costs. Because of these conditions, I had to borrow large sums of money from friends, resulting in significant debts.

#### Future Plan

To ensure a better future for my family and my brother's family, I need financial support to achieve the following steps:

1. **Repairing the damaged family house**:

- Cost: 20,000 euros.

2. **Migration costs**:

- Passports: 100 euros per person (total 600 euros for my family).

- Exit cost from Rafah crossing: 5000 euros for my wife and 2000 euros per child (total 15,000 euros).

- Flight tickets: 300 euros per person (total 3600 euros).

3. **Providing housing and living expenses for 6 months**:

- Rent for my family in the current country: 1200 euros per month (total 7200 euros).

- Living expenses for my family in the current country: 1000 euros per month (total 6000 euros).

- Living expenses for my parents: 300 euros per month (total 1800 euros).

- Living expenses for my brother and his family: 400 euros per month (total 4800 euros).

4. **Paying off debts**:

- Accumulated debts: 600 euros per month for 9 months (total 5400 euros).

#### Total Needed

- **Total costs for repairs, migration, living expenses, and debt repayment**: 64,100 euros.

#### How Support Will Be Spent

I will send the funds for each expense through my bank account or MoneyGram to ensure the money reaches quickly and safely:

1. **Repairing the family house**: I will coordinate with a local contractor to repair the house immediately.

2. **Obtaining passports and travel costs**: I will work with the Ramallah Travel Office to complete the procedures.

3. **Living expenses**: I will allocate a monthly amount for my family and my brother's family to ensure the basic needs are met.

4. **Paying off debts**: I will gradually settle the debts owed to my friends.

#### Conclusion

I appeal to you for support and assistance to achieve these necessary steps to secure a dignified life and a better future for my family, my brother's family, and my parents. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in our lives. Thank you for your support and standing by us in these difficult times.

Best regards,

Ahmed Matar

With heartfelt gratitude,

Ahmed.