Emergency support fund: Journalist from Gaza and his family

Thank you so much for coming to support this GoFundMe. We are Daniel Boehm from Switzerland and Amani Hammani from Poland who have had the pleasure of befriending an amazing Gazan journalist and hero Wesam Thabet (42). This is the plea of his heart. Please take time to read his story.

We are reaching out to share the story of a courageous journalist who has faced unimaginable challenges while reporting from the Gaza Strip. His journey began when he started covering news for a Dutch current affairs channel on October 7. Over time, he transitioned to work with esteemed organizations like CNN, The New York Times, ANHA, NOS (Netherlands). However, the volatile situation in Gaza led to repeated displacements.

From the north to the center, and then to various areas like Bureij and Maghazi, he witnessed the relentless upheaval. Each time an area was occupied, he was forced to move, eventually finding himself reporting from the Rafah border area for Al-Jazeera English, amidst suffocating restrictions.

Throughout this ordeal, he suffered profound personal losses - his home, belongings, and even clothes were lost. The harsh winter conditions in the desert border area further compounded his struggles. Additionally, he sustained injuries and contracted Hepatitis C due to the precarious living conditions and frequent movement between refugee camps.

Despite the hardships, his resilience shines through. Currently, he is on the path to recovery after enduring three grueling weeks. However, his journey is far from over. Alongside his journalist brother Mohamed Thabet (35), his father Khaled Thabet (65) and his mother Souad Jabreal Thabet (52), he is striving to leave the Gaza Strip to save his and his family’s lives.

Their plan is to reach Cairo and then relocate to Canada under the Canadian government's program to evacuate relatives. This journey requires financial support to cover travel expenses, medical bills, and the basic necessities they lost along the way.

Leaving Gaza is very expensive due to these circumstances: it amounts up to 5000 Dollar per person, plus the processing fee of 2000 Dollar per person. In addition to that add around 2000 Dollar for transportation and 2,9 percent commission fee, as well as costs to cover their stay in Cairo until the necessary paperwork is done. All in all, this amounts to a sum of 40500 Dollars. (or equivalent 40500 Swiss francs)

Your generosity can make a world of difference in their lives. Every donation, no matter how small, brings them closer to safety and stability. Let's come together to support this brave journalist and his family as they are living in unimaginable circumstances.

Thank you for your kindness and compassion.