Save a compassionate soul: Fundraiser for Kareem

Hi, my name is Gaia. I'm a poet and activist from California, and I'm reaching out on behalf of my friend Kareem Alaklook. I met Kareem through my dear friend Mai. They have been close since childhood. And in the midst of this nightmare, they are a constant source of succor for each other.

When Rafah became unsafe, Kareem helped Mai escape to his hometown of Deir al Balah. During a desperate time, he was able to provide her family with safe transportation and help them find lodgings. He goes out of his way to help other people. I know him to be a compassionate young man, with a sweet spirit and a sense of adventure.

Here is Kareem's story in his own words:

"My name is Kareem and I am 28 years old. I didn't know my lifetime would fall among the worst and darkest in the history of my country. The 2023 Gaza genocide destroyed my dreams, my ambitions, my home, and dispersed my family. I have no source of income left, as I lost my job.

The situation in Gaza is very difficult. On a daily basis, we escape death. Beyond that, our survival is always uncertain.

I want a chance to get out of this hell, and this requires that we pay the Egyptians approximately $5,000 per person and other travel costs of $5,000 for a total of $10,000. Help me evacuate from Gaza: from death to life."

I asked Kareem to share a personal story for the fundraiser. This is what he told me:

"My cat, Simba, grew up in my house. She got used to security, peace and tranquility. She was a symbol of strength with her grey fur. A source of life with her warm feeling. I could not provide food for her because of the war and despite that she did not lose her sense of mercy. She sometimes appeared in quiet moments to provide some warmth and comfort to children who lost their mothers, fathers and homes. This war has mercy on neither animals nor humans."

I do think that Kareem too is someone who "appears in quiet moments to comfort those who have lost everything." He is a blessing to his community during the most trying time Gaza has known. (One of the most trying times the Earth has known, if I'm being honest.) I want you see the strain this young man is under. And yet in spite of it all, here he is going out of his way to help those in need. His cat Simba, shared a piece of his soul. And in her absence, he has carried on her work.

I asked a very difficult question, almost impossible to answer, given that earlier that night there had been bomb raids in their neighborhood of Deir al Balah. I asked Kareem to tell me about his dreams; here's what he said:

"I dream of exploring the world, discovering new cultures and learning different languages. I hope this journey will be an opportunity to broaden my horizons and experiences; and I look forward to connecting with different people and understanding their perspectives."

Kareem is really a model global citizen. We should all aspire to cultivate such curiosity and warmth. Please show Kareem the love we have to offer. I want this to be the first thing he knows of the world outside Gaza. You can make that difference. In these times, his tenderness is desperately needed. Please, help me save his life.