Secure My Famili's safety through evacuation from Gaza
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On the fateful morning of October 7th, 2023, at 6:22 a.m., flames engulfed the sky, and the earth trembled, reducing everything to dust. Yet, from the ashes of adversity, our spirit ignites with unwavering hope. I am Mohammed Almaqadma, an architect from Gaza, fueled by determination to rally your support in safeguarding my family from the ravages of genocide.
Once upon a time, our vibrant family thrived with six cherished members - my father, mother, three sisters, and myself. However, on November 30th, 2023, tragedy struck, reducing us to five, torn apart by the cruel grasp of Israeli aggression. To compound our anguish, our cherished home was damaged by an Israeli bomb or airstrike, leaving us displaced and vulnerable, seeking solace beneath the fragile shelter of a tent. Since that fateful day, a tempest of uncertainty has raged within me, wrestling with the tormenting decision of whether to remain or escape. The weight of this choice burdened my soul, until the moment the Israeli army violated the sacred haven of Alshifaa Hospital, committing unspeakable atrocities with impunity. It was then that my righteous indignation erupted into a blazing inferno of passion. Confronted by such grotesque injustice, I was compelled to take resolute decision: to evacuate my cherished mother and sisters from this abyss of horror, where the very notion of justice seems but a distant echo.
Allow me to introduce you to the remarkable individuals who comprise my family:
My mother, Sawsan Almqadma, is the epitome of passion as both a loving parent and a dedicated entrepreneur. With boundless care, she nurtures our family's dreams while also striving for success in her own endeavors. Despite enduring the devastation of her beauty salon in 2009 due to an airstrike, and the heartbreaking loss of her newly established salon in December 2023, she remains undeterred. Her unwavering dedication to her craft and her desire to see her children thrive and find happiness drive her forward. Yet, amidst the chaos of war, despair threatens to dim her hopeful spirit.
Remarkably, amidst her own challenges, my mother's heart remains open. Alongside my father, she has generously welcomed displaced families into our home, offering not only food and shelter but also a sense of warmth and belonging. In her acts of selflessness, her true beauty shines – a beacon of hope in the midst of adversity.
My elder sister, Heba Almaqadma, radiates joy as a mathematics educator at a local school, infusing her lessons with her vibrant personality. With a passion for literature, she curates an extensive library filled with a diverse array of books and novels. Her dream is to expand this collection into a vast repository of knowledge.
Among us, Heba bore the deepest impact of our father's passing, having shared a special bond with him. Remarkably, amidst her grief, she embarked on a poignant mission: rescuing books from the brink of destruction. As universities and libraries fell victim to bombings, she bravely salvaged these literary treasures from the market, where they faced imminent incineration. Her steadfast dedication ensured that these books found refuge within her cherished collection, safeguarding them from oblivion.
Soha Almaqadma, my spirited sister, brings laughter and passion wherever she goes. As a freelance graphic designer, she infuses her creations with creativity and flair, while her love for anime inspires her to craft captivating manga characters. However, the relentless Israeli aggression has dimmed her usual sparkle; many of her cherished drawings have been destroyed or lost to flames, and her laptop was among the casualties of recent attacks. Yet, Soha possesses a resilient spirit, capable of withstanding even the harshest of trials.
Her dream of establishing her own manga studio burns brightly within her, a dream she had begun to realize with a small studio in Gaza before it fell victim to an airstrike, much like my mother's beauty salon. Despite these setbacks, Soha remains undeterred, her determination unwavering as she persists in pursuit of her dreams, undaunted by the challenges she faces.
My beloved younger sister, Abeer, is a talented architect employed by a private company in Gaza. Additionally, she lends her expertise as a freelancer for international organizations. However, the ongoing conflict has shattered her professional stability, as her job demands reliable access to electricity and internet—both of which have been disrupted by the war. Tragically, her laptop was also destroyed in an airstrike, compounding her challenges and leaving her in a state of desperation, unsure of her next steps.
Yet, buoyed by the unwavering support of our family, Abeer has begun to rebuild her resilience. With their care and encouragement, she is slowly regaining her footing, reclaiming the strength and determination that define her. Though the road ahead may be fraught with obstacles, Abeer's indomitable spirit shines through, illuminating a path forward as she bravely navigates through adversity.
Finally, as we embark on this journey of hope and resilience, your support means more than words can express. Together, we can provide a lifeline for my family, offering them the opportunity to rebuild their lives and pursue their dreams with renewed vigor.
To provide a clearer picture, here's a breakdown of the costs:
- $25,000: Rafah Crossing fees ($5,000 each)
- $6,000: Rental fees for an apartment in Cairo ($1,000 per month)
- $5,000: Replacement of clothing and essential items lost in the conflict
- $9,000: Living expenses ($300 per person per month).
Your generous contributions will not only provide immediate relief but will also sow the seeds of a brighter future for my loved ones, empowering them to overcome the trials of the past and embrace the promise of tomorrow. Thank you for your compassion and support.
Organizer
Mohammed Almaqadma
Organizer
England