Urgent Plea: Help Saving Surviving Family in Gaza

My name is Tamer Jarada, a Data Scientist and Cancer Researcher, and I'm joined by my wife, Wafaa Dawoud, a psychologist and educator. Together, we've established our lives in Calgary, Canada, where we've woven a tapestry of success and resilience alongside our two children.

Tragically, I experienced an unimaginable loss during the current brutal attacks in Gaza. An Israeli warplane devastated the block where my family was staying, claiming the lives of my entire family and several extended relatives, totalling 17 beloved members. Similarly, Wafaa's family suffered the loss of her grandfather when their apartment building became another target of an Israeli airstrike.

Now, we are rallying support to rescue our 17 surviving family members, Tamer's sister and her family, and Wafaa's family, from the ongoing turmoil in Gaza. We aim to bring them to safety here in Calgary, Canada, utilizing the Canadian Special measures for extended family members in Gaza.

Your generosity and support will help us reunite and safeguard our remaining families, providing them with the opportunity for a brighter and secure future away from devastation and death. Thank you for considering our cause!

The Situation:

The situation in the Gaza Strip has plunged into a devastating crisis, marked by widespread destruction and unimaginable suffering. The impact of this dire situation hits close to home for us, as we grapple with the profound loss and trauma inflicted by recent events.

Initially, my family members narrowly escaped death when their homes in the Al-Karama neighbourhood were destroyed by the Israeli aggression attacks. Seeking refuge in my apartment, my family hoped for safety amidst the chaos. However, on a fateful morning, an Israeli airstrike wiped out the entire block where my family sought shelter, claiming the lives of 16 cherished relatives, including my parents (Naser & Nima), sisters (Haneen & Nisreen), and young orphaned nephews (Abdullah & Naser). Their untimely deaths underscore the harsh reality faced by innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip.

The anguish deepens as the residence of my only surviving family in Gaza, Ashjan, sustains partial damage from bombings, leaving her family huddled under stairs for safety before fleeing to the central Gaza Strip and fleeing one more time to live in a tent in Rafah by the Egyptian borders with her husband and 3 children. My sister was 8 months pregnant when she moved her tent and delivered her baby there without anesthesia or proper medical care.

Tragically, the loss extends to Wafaa’s family as well. Her 85-year-old grandfather, Salim, a survivor of forced displacement in 1948, fell victim to an Israeli airstrike along with other innocent civilians, further compounding our grief. Forced to flee their home amidst intense bombardment, Wafaa’s sister, Asma, faced the unimaginable loss of dozens of relatives buried under rubble, with many others still missing. Wafaa’s family is currently being displaced in three different locations: 4 individuals are in Gaza City, 3 individuals south of Khan Younes and 4 individuals living in a tent in Rafah.

As the situation escalates, fear and uncertainty grip us, leaving us in a state of anguish and desperation. The ongoing attacks in the Gaza Strip have not only robbed us of loved ones but also shattered our sense of security and stability. We are haunted by the constant dread of receiving more devastating news about our families and loved ones, trapped in a cycle of anguish and helplessness.

In the face of such immense challenges, we turn to the generosity and compassion of others for support. Your contributions can make a tangible difference in our efforts to provide aid and assistance to our families who are deeply affected by the ongoing genocides in the Gaza Strip, offering hope amidst the darkness and helping our families rebuild shattered lives. Your help can make a meaningful impact and bring solace to our surviving family members who have suffered unimaginable loss and trauma in Gaza.

Our Families:

Our families’ narrative weaves a mosaic of lives shattered. Each member bears a tale, a deferred dream. The displacement they endure transcends mere physicality; it's a displacement of hope and security. From makeshift tents beneath open skies to grappling with dire shortages of essentials like food, water, and medical care, their resilience is under constant trial. As they fled, our families left behind the bulk of their possessions and necessities.

Tamer’s family includes:

Wafaa’s family includes:

The Need:

We are seeking to raise $160,000 (CAD) to cover the following expenses:

These funds are crucial to ensure the successful relocation and integration of our family members, providing them with the necessary support and resources to rebuild their lives in a safe and secure environment. Your contribution will make a significant difference in helping us achieve this goal.

Personal Story:

For over a decade, Wafaa and I have been deeply involved in supporting refugees and newcomers as they navigate the challenges of resettling in Calgary, Canada. We've dedicated ourselves to providing comprehensive assistance, from tackling paperwork and arranging medical appointments to helping with the logistics of moving and setting up homes. It's been a labour of love, fueled by a passion for ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive in their new environment.

However, never did we anticipate that the tables would turn, and we would find ourselves in need of similar support. The past five months have been a harrowing journey for our families in Gaza, marked by unimaginable loss, displacement, and despair. The devastation wrought by conflict has shattered lives and shattered dreams, leaving our loved ones clinging to hope amidst the rubble.

Our journey to support refugees and newcomers has taught us the transformative power of community and compassion. Now, we humbly turn to our fellow Canadians, and our extended family, for help. Your support is not just about providing financial assistance; it's about extending a lifeline of hope to those who have lost everything. It's about showing solidarity and standing in solidarity with our families as they embark on the difficult journey of resettlement.

Closing:

As we witness the anguish and uncertainty faced by our families, the importance of our cause hits home in a profoundly personal way. The thought of our families enduring such hardship is a weight that rests heavily on our hearts. Yet, amidst the darkness, there is a glimmer of hope—a chance for them to find sanctuary and rebuild their lives here in Calgary.

Together, we can rewrite the narrative of despair and write a story of resilience and renewal. Your generosity has the power to make a difference in the lives of our families, offering them a second chance at life and a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.

By joining hands with us, you become a part of their journey towards healing and restoration. Your kindness and compassion will not only provide practical support but also serve as a beacon of hope in their darkest hours.

As we embark on this journey together, let us remember that every contribution, no matter how small, has the potential to create a ripple effect of positive change. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have endured unimaginable hardship.

Thank you for opening your hearts and standing with us in solidarity.

Your support is truly a lifeline for our families, and we are profoundly grateful for your generosity.

Love,

Tamer & Wafaa