Help Artist Mahmoud Al Haj's family Evacuate Gaza

NEW APPEAL: 23/04/2024 - For Mahmoud's Family: Ala' (Wife), Marcel (9 years old son), Mohammad (6 years old son) and Hayat (2 years old girl). We have previously collected 6500 and we are in need of 17000 EUROS.

As we approach the 200 days since the onset of the genocide in Gaza caused by the Israeli Occupation, Palestinians have suffered unimaginable losses. Beyond the loss of lives, they have been forced to bid farewell to their loved ones and lay them to rest.

Our friend Mahmoud finds himself once again in desperate need of funds to ensure the safe evacuation of the remainder of his family. Mahmoud had hoped that by now he would have been outside Gaza and able to secure the necessary papers to evacuate with his family, away from the ongoing atrocities committed by the Occupation. Unfortunately, the situation persists, with the Israelis threatening to invade Rafah, home to approximately 1.6 million displaced Palestinians, many of whom reside in tents.

We are aiming to raise €17,000 to facilitate the evacuation of Mahmoud's family members: his wife, Ala', a former Radio host in Gaza; his eldest son, Marcel, aged 9; his middle child, Mohammad, aged 6; and his youngest, Hayat, a 2-year-old girl. The total cost of arranging their evacuation through the Ya Hala office amounts to $12,500 (approximately €11,700), with adult fares at $5,000 and children's fares at $2,500 per person. The rest of the money will go toward sustaining the family's lives in Egypt until they leave for France (approximately a month of rent and food for 5 people), buying new clothes as the family house in Khan Younis was reduced to rubble and nothing of their belongings survived.

Mahmoud, who remains in Gaza, has already been registered and the necessary fees have been paid. He will personally handle the registration process for his family once the required amount is raised.

Despite the challenges, there is a glimmer of hope for Mahmoud and his family. Although he had to forgo an artistic residency in Sofia due to timing constraints, he has been accepted into the Avignon Art School in France. He has been assured of accommodation, a stipend, and educational opportunities for the children, albeit after a disrupted academic year.

We appeal to your generosity and urge you to help us spread the word to as many people as possible. It is the least we can do in the face of such adversity.

Update 23/04/2024

Mahmoud Has been successfully registered at Ya Hala office, he is awaiting his turn to evacuate, it is expected that he will be leaving (Hopefully) in the next week.

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Amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the dire situation at the Rafah crossing, many Gazans face unimaginable suffering, caught in a cycle of starvation and peril. The closure of the crossing has left them with no escape from the relentless violence inflicted upon them by the IOF. For many, leaving Gaza in the hope of a better future elsewhere is the only glimmer of hope.

Our dear friend, Artist Mahmoud Al Haj, has been granted an artist residency in Sofia, offering him a lifeline amidst the chaos. Mahmoud had hoped that the horrors of the genocide would cease by now, but the relentless attacks by the Israeli forces show no signs of abating. The toll has been devastating, with over 30,000 lives lost and thousands more injured or missing.

We are rallying together to support Mahmoud's journey to safety, as he seeks to cross to the Egyptian side of Rafah. This endeavor comes at a considerable cost, ranging from $5000 to $7000, payable to intermediaries who can facilitate the necessary approvals. While we acknowledge the imperfect nature of this solution, it remains the only viable path forward in these dire circumstances.

In gratitude for your generosity, Mahmoud is offering his digital artwork as a token of appreciation. He pledges to personally sign each piece purchased once the nightmare of genocide has come to an end.

Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference in Mahmoud's journey to safety. Together, let us stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza and extend a helping hand to those in need.

Here are some of Mahmoud's artworks: