Help the AlSammak family flee to safety

A message from Alison and Antony:

We met the AlSammak family during our time living in Palestine between 2016-2020. We each visited the AlSammaks in Gaza and were warmly welcomed into their home for meals, conversation, and even music and dance performances from their brilliant and highly talented, wonderful children. The last time Alison saw the AlSammak family she was pregnant with our 2nd son, and the family took her to a strawberry farm for lunch and gave her gifts for the baby. We are so grateful for their friendship.

We’ve always been struck by the AlSammaks’ kindness, generosity, their closeness as a family, and their contributions to their community. Even during this difficult time, Haneen and Hala AlSammak are volunteering to help their communities, particularly supporting children and people with disabilities, while Ahmed AlSammak does what he can to provide for the family.

The AlSammaks’ home has been destroyed, they've survived bombings and been displaced several times. They love Gaza and are not choosing to leave, they are being forced to flee to survive and to have a life for their children. Please read Hala's story below for an insight into how incredible she is. Her bright, brilliant future is at stake.

The family is: Haneen (mum, a humanitarian worker), Ahmed (dad, a teacher), and three daughters Hala (18, who was studying at a university in Gaza before it was destroyed), Hour (16) and Habeeba (12) as well as Omar, however he is not currently living in Gaza.

We've applied for visas for the family to come to Australia and a generous friend is ready to welcome them into his home. The cost of exiting Gaza via Rafah (into Egypt) is USD5,000 per adult, USD2,500 per child. So we're trying to raise USD 20,000 for 3 adults and 2 children, plus USD10,000 for flights out of Egypt – approximately AUD 45,000.

Even if we're unsuccessful in getting Australian visas for the family, these funds will help them leave Gaza and find safety.

Every bit counts and we're so grateful for your support, large or small, during this awful time. Your solidarity gives us strength. Please note - the situation is uncertain; if circumstances change, these funds will go to help the AlSammaks in some way.

This fundraiser has been organised with the full support and involvement of the AlSammak family.

A message from 18-year-old Hala:

My name is Hala, I have big dreams and ambitions, but if you live in the Gaza Strip you know that your dreams are sieged just like the place you live in. I have always aspired to challenge the odds, the constraining social norms, the lack of resources, and the conservative culture that does not accept a young woman practicing various hobbies or trying to prove her abilities.

I always dreamed of finishing high school and travel outside of the Gaza Strip—visiting new countries, meeting new friends, and learning new cultures. I want to grow my skills in music and sports.

I am one of the few girls in Gaza who play the “tabla,” the traditional eastern music drum. I am also a member of the only girls’ soccer team in the Gaza Strip, and one of the few girls who compete in kayaking in Gaza. All these hobbies and skills were developed in scarcity of financial and technical resources.

In my short life, I lived through five different wars and escalations of violence. This time is the hardest. While I'm writing this statement, forty-five minutes of continuous bombardment passed. We evacuated our home and left to my aunt’s home in the south of Gaza, where twenty people share a small bedroom in her apartment. Leaving our home was one of the hardest decisions we had to make. We know now that our house in Gaza city was destroyed and we will not be able to return - this was our home:

I am a product of my people's resilience. Born into a family with a profound love for Palestine, my affection for my homeland was not a matter of choice but a deep-seated appreciation for our history. Acting became a passion for me, a way to tell our tales, sing our songs, and keep our memories alive. Similarly, playing the drums allowed me to express my desire to bring joy to my people. I was lucky to have parents who believed in me, teaching me that nothing is beyond reach, and I’ve always held onto that belief.

Challenged by the idea that there are things girls shouldn’t do, I proved them wrong by playing football. This wasn’t just about football; it was about demonstrating that with perseverance, I could overcome anything. I felt like I am carrying the weight of an entire nation. Dressed in traditional Palestinian dress, with drums in hand, I stood before crowds to show the strength of Palestinian women.

I want to study international relations to correct misconceptions about Palestine. My drive towards excellence has evolved into a keen interest in representing my country on the international stage. We are often misrepresented and face immense injustice.

My dream is to stand on international platforms as an ambassador for Palestine, undeterred by any obstacles, even amidst conflict. I believe in the power of our collective struggle, and I am determined to play a pivotal role in securing a brighter future for Palestinians.

Through my studies, I aim to embody the rich tapestry of Palestinian history and culture, weaving it into the broader narrative of global diplomacy and peace-building. I intend to craft strategies that not only advocate for Palestine's rights but also foster understanding and cooperation among nations. My journey is fuelled by the conviction that through education, dialogue, and steadfast determination, we can overcome the challenges facing Palestine and pave the way for a future where peace and justice prevail.