Help ABUNADA family from Gaza to hope for a life

Hello, my name is Imad ABUNADA and I am a doctoral student in art sciences in France, while also teaching at Sciences Po University and Sorbonne-Nouvelle University in Paris. Since 2018, I have been living separately from my family, who currently resides in the Gaza Strip. Unfortunately, our house was bombed at the beginning of the conflict in northern Gaza, in Jabalia, forcing us to flee multiple times to save our lives, like so many other families in the Gaza Strip. My parents, my younger siblings, are currently in a tent in Deir Al-Balah, lacking essential needs such as water, food, clothing, and medicine.

Here is my family's tent, photo taken at the end of January 2024.

Israel has also cut off electricity and water, making communication difficult, if not impossible. I often find myself unable to reach them for days, even weeks, which causes great anxiety and a sense of helplessness. Despite my efforts to seek help through embassies, ministries, and other intermediaries, the situation remains desperate. My family's life is constantly in danger, plunging our surroundings into profound distress.

My father, named Hussein and aged 53, is a constant source of inspiration. He has held over 100 different jobs throughout his life to provide for the family's economic needs. With a bachelor's degree, he has pursued a diverse array of occupations, including teaching economics and management, business management, trading, mechanic work, sales, blacksmithing, purchasing advisor, taxi driver, and many more. He is commonly referred to as "King" or "Malek" in Arabic due to his ambition, enthusiasm, personality, versatility, and strength.

As for my mother, named Hanan, she represents our refuge. Always smiling, she embodies the central role of a homemaker, a true "queen of the family." Her support, courage, and hope are invaluable to all of us. Words cannot describe her.

Here are my parents, this photo was taken in 2022.

My two sisters:

The eldest, Dima, is 21 years old and is pursuing studies in computer science at Al-Azhar University. With an overall average of 90/100, she already masters three programming languages (Java, Python, C++) due to her dedication and hard work. Despite her aspirations to become an engineer, her university has been demolished.

Lina, aged 16, is the coordinator of family events. She plans our outings, organizes birthdays, family gatherings, and loves reading. She has a strong personality. She dreamt of becoming a dentist.

This photo was taken at the end of August 2023 during a visit to the Rashad Shawa Cultural Center.

My three brothers:

Abd Alkarim, 27 years old, nicknamed Abood, holds a degree in management. He brings humor to our family, always seeking to bring a smile to those around him.

This photo was taken in November 2023 during the war while he was selling lokmas to earn money, but there's nothing left.

Ali, 24 years old, recently completed his studies in computer science and management. Unfortunately, he was unable to retrieve his diploma due to the destruction of his university. His dream job after graduation is on hold as he is now part of the displaced persons committee where our family resides.

Mohammed, 13 years old, the pride of the family, is nicknamed Abou Hommaid or Hommaid. He crafts and tests kites before selling them, ensuring the quality of his products to his clientele of young children in the neighborhood.

In Gaza, there is no safe refuge. Two weeks ago, bomb fragments landed on my family's tent, consuming it, but thankfully, they were outside at the time. Their last refuge in Deir Al-Balah, at the heart of the Gaza Strip, is isolated from any humanitarian aid, rarely reaching the region.

A few weeks ago, I was informed that my family's tent had been swept away by the wind, and they left with only summer clothes, thinking the situation wouldn't last this long. They face daily terror, cooking over a rudimentary fire. The trauma they endure, hour after hour, is indescribable. I urgently need help to evacuate my family from Gaza as soon as possible.

Any additional funds will be used to relocate and assist my cousins, most of whom are minors. The cost for each person without a foreign passport is estimated between $10,000 and $12,000 with other needs and expenses. This money will be sent to my family via bank transfer or other available means in Gaza. This is a difficult step for me, but it's the only solution to save my family.

Despite all my efforts to get help, including contacting the French Consulate and seeking assistance from important figures, I have received no aid. I am willing to travel to Egypt to meet my family and address their immediate needs once they are safe. Your support could literally save their lives, sheltering them from this terrible war.

I thank you in advance for your generosity. May health and long life accompany you.

Imad ABUNADA and his family.