Help Motasem Bashir Rebuild His Life

Dear Friends,

My name is Motasem Bashir, a Palestinian citizen from Gaza. For 25 years, I worked tirelessly as a photographer and screenwriter, striving to build a future after tragically losing my parents and elder brother during the first war on Gaza when I was just nine years old.

Before October 7th, I was on the verge of achieving stability and pursuing my dreams. Now, I find myself trapped in Gaza amidst constant bombardment and a severe lack of basic human rights.

I've launched this campaign to evacuate from Gaza and rebuild my shattered life. The funds raised will cover transportation costs, temporary housing, and replacing essential work equipment lost in the bombings. Additionally, I need support for clothes and temporary residence in Egypt during this transition.

Introduction

I fled my home in Al-Karama neighborhood amidst phosphorus bombs that left my neighborhood in ruins. Miraculously surviving, I sheltered with a friend, only to find my sister and her children trapped under debris from a bombing. Risking everything, I helped them escape amid flames.

The next day, the house I stayed in was bombed, forcing me to relocate multiple times across northern Gaza. On October 13, amid escalating violence, I joined thousands in a perilous journey southward. Enduring unimaginable suffering, I lived in countless precarious shelters, surviving multiple bombings, including one that destroyed my neighborhood.

I've faced displacement, moving homes eighteen times across Gaza, battling financial hardship and discrimination. Now, I seek your support in rebuilding shattered lives and providing hope amidst Gaza's turmoil. Together, we can make a difference.

Loss of My Home

I was fortunate to have left for the south because a few days later, the army began its military operation in the Al-Karama neighborhood. Violent clashes ensued, resulting in the destruction of my house and those around it. It took a month before anyone could return to take photos. I was heartbroken to learn that I had lost the place that had sheltered me, even if it was cold and without my family. To make matters worse, the rest of my property had been stolen.

Destructive Displacement Journey

I've moved homes eighteen times, facing unemployment and the absence of orphan support. Cleaning tables to survive, enduring racism, and enduring winters with just one jacket became part of my daily life. Illness often went untreated. From Deir al-Balah to Rafah, then Khan Yunis by foot, seeking refuge was always challenging. A snake attacked me in a tent, marking a brief moment of relief in a journey filled with displacement and danger. I am exhausted, tired of merely surviving without truly living, tired of endless searches for safety in makeshift homes.

Life in the South

My daily life has become unbearable due to severe financial difficulties, constant fear of bombings, and the monopolization of essential goods pushing prices beyond reach. I also face hostility, airborne illnesses, and a dire lack of resources like electricity, clean water, and hygiene supplies. Malnutrition is a constant struggle, and I often rely on canned food as fresh produce and proteins are rarely available. Despite these hardships, I find solace in brief, safe walks and connecting with others who understand my situation.

Who Was I Before October 7th?

I was financially independent, collaborating with international companies, and ready to embark on a freelance filmmaking career. I had recently invested in new equipment, including a camera and a laptop, to further my creative pursuits. Sadly, all my plans were shattered by the relentless bombings that not only destroyed my home but also the banks where I kept my savings.

Rebuild My Life: Your Support Can Make a Difference

I have faced unimaginable hardships since losing my family in the first war on Gaza when I was just nine. Now, I am striving to rebuild my life and need your support to make this possible.

I need $18,000 to evacuate, replace essential equipment, and cover temporary needs. Your donation will not only ensure my safety but also help me continue my work as a photographer and screenwriter, giving me hope for a better future.

Financial Breakdown

Evacuation from Gaza: $5,000

Replacement of Work Equipment (desk, lens, laptop, microphone, screen): $10,000

Clothes and Temporary Residence in Egypt: $3,000

Final Thoughts

Your support, whether big or small, will make an immense difference in my journey to rebuild. With your help, I can escape the horrors of war and create a new life for myself in a safer environment. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being my beacon of hope.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Motasem Bashir