Evacuate the Kamal Family from Gaza to Safety

We are the chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) located in Richmond, Virginia.

We are launching this fundraiser campaign to raise funds for a member of our local community who is studying in America with a visa. Below is her story:

"My name is Rasha Kamal, a Palestinian from Gaza currently residing in the United States. I am reaching out for urgent assistance to evacuate my family from the Gaza Strip to Egypt. For the past three months, our home in Rafah has become a shelter for displaced family members and friends from the northern regions, but their safety is at an alarming risk every day. The funds raised through this campaign will be solely dedicated to facilitating their safe passage out of Rafah via the Rafah Border. Your contribution will make a life-changing difference in ensuring their safety and well-being during these harrowing times.

The ongoing war happening in Gaza has forced many families, including mine, to face unimaginable challenges. My family have opened their doors to provide refuge, even amidst their own struggle for survival. However, the situation has reached a critical point, where staying in Rafah is no longer sustainable for them. Amidst the chaos, I am desperately trying to secure a safe passage for my family to Egypt, where they can find temporary shelter and safety away from the danger zone.

My family consists of 9 adults, 4 children, and 3 cats. The challenges they face daily are unimaginable. Basic necessities like water, food, fuel, and electricity have become scarce commodities. The increasing danger and deprivation have made their lives a constant battle for survival. Both my parents have heart conditions, and no longer have access to their medications. Compounded by the loss of jobs and the absence of their previous income sources, they are now facing an existential crisis.

Your generosity and support can make a huge difference in saving their lives. The only way out of Gaza right now is through Rafah Border, which requires a fee of $7,000 for each adult, and $3,000 for each child. So, the total amount to get all of my family out of Gaza is $75,000. Every donation, no matter the size, will contribute to securing their safe passage out of Rafah and towards a more stable environment in Egypt. Your kindness will offer them a chance to rebuild their lives and have a renewed hope for the future.

I humbly appeal to your empathy and kindness in aiding my family's urgent evacuation. Your contributions will be the lifeline that enables them to escape the perilous conditions they currently endure.

Thank you for your compassion and support in this critical time of need.

With gratitude,

Rasha"

To accommodate fees from gofundme collection, fees from banks (both local and abroad) for money transfers, and the daily fluctuation in prices of permits to cross the border, we adjusted our gofundme goal for the Kamal family to $82,000. Any extra funds after fees and the purchase of permits will be used help secure housing and basic necessities in Egypt; our organization nor Rasha herself will collect profit from this money.

We humbly ask that those of you who can contribute do so, even if it is only one dollar. Every cent counts. Please also take the time to share this fundraiser on social media and through word of mouth in order to reach as many people as possible. This goal may be large, but we have faith that the community can and will rise to the occasion.