Supporting My Family in Gaza: Short and Long Term Needs

This fundraiser is an effort to support my friend's family's in Gaza, including food (and other basic needs)and evacuation to a safe area. He currently has 23 family members, including 7 children under the age of 7 and his elderly parents, aged 77 and 68. But I will let Moutasem tell his story:

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My name is Moutasem Quffa, and I am reaching out to you today with a plea for help for my family and me, who have endured unimaginable suffering due to the ongoing geniciding war in Gaza.

I am a 30-year-old native of Gaza Strip, and since 2019, I have been living in France, striving to build a better future through education. Despite the distance, my heart has always been with my family back home, whom I had not seen since my departure. The separation has been agonizing, made even more unbearable by the relentless cycle of violence and destruction that has plagued our homeland.

In September 2023, I finally received the opportunity to visit my family in Gaza, only to find myself trapped in the midst of a war zone just two weeks after my arrival. The chaos and devastation of war engulfed us, leaving our once-happy home reduced to rubble. With heavy hearts and shattered dreams, we lost everything we had worked so hard to build.

My family, including my parents, siblings, and their children—a total of 23 individuals—are now facing dire circumstances. Since the war, they have been living in a makeshift tent, struggling to survive amidst the rubble and devastation. The harsh reality of daily life in Gaza, compounded by the scarcity of basic necessities, weighs heavily on their shoulders.

As the one who has been evacuated to France in 31-12-2023, now I bear the responsibility of providing for my family, but the challenges we face are immense. The cost of daily expenses, including food, clothing, and essential supplies, has skyrocketed, making it increasingly difficult to meet their basic needs. Moreover, the prospect of long-term stability and rebuilding our shattered lives seems daunting, given the widespread destruction and economic hardship gripping Gaza.

Therefore, I am turning to you, in a desperate plea for assistance. Our immediate goal is to raise funds to alleviate the financial burden on my family, providing them with the means to afford basic necessities and essential services. Additionally, we seek assistance in facilitating the evacuation of my family from Gaza, offering them a temporary respite from the turmoil and uncertainty of war.

Unfortunately, the blockade imposed on Gaza has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis rendering basic items unaffordable for many residents. Previously affordable items such as beans, flour, sugar, salt, and eggs have seen drastic price increases, making them out of reach for most households.

The funds raised would not only provide for their immediate needs but also pave the way for their evacuation from Gaza—a costly endeavor but a necessary one for their safety.

Additionally, I’m seeking to support them in the long term, sending monthly aid to help them rebuild their shattered lives.

Your generous contributions will not only provide much-needed relief in the short term but also support our long-term efforts to rebuild our lives and restore hope for a better future. Whether it is through monthly financial assistance, assistance in securing shelter, or aiding in the reconstruction of our family home, every donation—no matter how small—will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have suffered so much.

Please open your hearts and lend a helping hand to my family and me during this time of dire need.