Gaza Mutual Aid For Displaced Families

WHO WE ARE

We are a small, grassroots group located in the US, the UK, and Iceland, raising direct aid for families in Gaza. The defunding of UNRWA, along with the severe restrictions Israel has placed on goods entering Gaza, has left civilians in a desperate state with limited food options and exorbitant prices for the goods that are available. With this in mind, we are doing what we can to fill the enormous gap. We are prioritizing displaced families in Rafah because of the number of people in need there, as well as our personal connections to the city of Rafah. We are working with trusted individuals who have been vetted and are politically independent.

OUR TEAM

Anees Mansour is leading this effort. Anees grew up in Yibneh refugee camp in Rafah, Gaza Strip. He has been a human rights worker and organizer since he was 15 years old. He worked with the International Solidarity Movement, the Rachel Corrie Foundation, The Rachel Corrie Cultural Center in Rafah, and was a founder of The Hope and Peace Foundation. Much of his work centers on supporting children with trauma. Anees has also spearheaded multiple Ramadan campaigns, providing aid to some of Gaza’s most vulnerable families. A commitment to economic justice and ethical relationship undergirds all of his work. He lives in Iceland, but remains deeply connected to Rafah, so is able to navigate the logistics to ensure that money goes directly to civilians who are most in need.

Ali Flebotte is a nurse in Glasgow, Scotland. An active member of their local Jewish community, they see universal human rights, including for Palestinians, as a core part of their Judaism. They spent 4 months in the West Bank and Gaza in 2003 volunteering alongside Palestinians to monitor and directly oppose the effects of the Israeli occupation. They condemn all violence targeting civilians in the region, both the October 7th attacks and holding of hostages, and the ongoing ethnic cleansing in Gaza and long-term extra judicial imprisonment of Palestinians. Since befriending Anees in Rafah in 2003, they have worked together on a Palestinian/Jewish UK speaking tour, and on fundraising to support children and families in Rafah.

Serena is a counselor based in the US. She has worked with a number of Palestine solidarity and liberation organizations over the years, including the International Solidarity Movement, The Rachel Corrie Foundation, and the Olympia Rafah Sister City Project amongst others. She spent time in the West Bank in 2002, lived in Rafah for a time in 2005-2006, and returned to Gaza in 2009 after Operation Cast lead.

Laura Kraftowitz is an organizer with Jewish Voice for Peace who lived in Rafah. She has worked with the International Solidarity Movement, the Al-Mezan Centre for Human Rights, the Right to Enter Campaign, and elsewhere. She has known Anees since 2003.

FAQ

Q: How are you getting the money to Gaza? Hasn’t the system collapsed?

A: There remains one ATM and one Western Union functioning in Rafah with relatively low fees. There is also a street market charging high interest of 8-10% for cash withdrawal that can be used in a worst-case scenario.

** This is outdated information. Please see the May 20 update for the latest on how we are getting cash to families.

Q: Who are your partners on the ground?

A: Our Rafah partner is the Hope & Peace Team, a small group of vetted, politically independent individuals, with whom we have long-standing and trusted relationships.

Q: Are there specific individuals who will receive this money?

A: The Hope & Peace Team will distribute money directly to displaced families to support their needs during this emergency.

Q: Can my money really make a difference right now?

This is a desperate situation that can feel unfathomable and overwhelming. Prices have skyrocketed in the absence of goods and aid. But yes, your donation is still the difference between life and death for children who are starving to death.

We seek to be transparent in our efforts. Please feel free to email us if you have any questions about this fundraiser.

UPDATE, April 5, 2024

Dear supporters,

Thank you all for your support in the first round of this fundraiser.

In our first round, we raised $2400. After fees, that meant we got $100 each to 23 families. We also raised $1k cash outside of this campaign for a family who lost their infant.

We're starting our second round. We've raised $500 so far and as soon as we have enough for the wire transfer fee to be worth it we will send cash to more displaced families in Gaza.

Although international pressure has increased on Israel to comply with the law, the situation continues to deteriorate. Our partners on the ground, the Hope and Peace Team, is identifying urgent cases to make sure your dollars go toward a chance at life for those who have no other means.

Please donate, share, and forward. Thank you sincerely for helping us get closer to our goal.

In solidarity,

Anees, Ali, Serena, and Laura

UPDATE, April 22, 2024

Dear supporters of Gaza Aid Direct,

Our second round of fundraising is complete. We're grateful to have brought in $3,600 after fees. Shoutout to Lex and their network in Southeast Michigan, who brought in the lion's share.

Your donations have been transferred to Gaza, and the Hope and Peace Team has distributed it to 36 families, bringing us to a total of 59 families who've received direct aid. The Hope and Peace Team in Gaza sent us a message of thanks for being there for them while many people left them alone.

We are $300 into our third round of fundraising. Please donate, share, and forward. Every $100 allows us to support one more family in this terrifying moment.

We are working in a spirit of transparency and are happy to answer any questions about this campaign.

Thank you for your support.

In solidarity,

Anees, Ali, Serena, and Laura

--> PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR ADDITIONAL UPDATES FROM MAY AND AFTER!