Urgent Rebuilding Hope: Support My Family in Gaza
Donation protected
Hi everyone,
I have set up this fundraiser to bring my immediate family of 15 members to safety in Canada.
My name is Mohammed Alzaza. In 2011, when I was 15 years old, I survived an Israeli drone missile attack in Gaza which killed my 12 year old cousin as we were playing in the street. 22 surgeries and 3 countries later I have found refuge in Canada. Unfortunately I still need further surgery to rectify my injuries and I suffer from near constant pain.
Tragically my family is still trapped in Gaza. Their house has been destroyed (for the 4th time since 2008) and they, like everyone in Gaza, are facing the unremitting danger and trauma of daily Israeli missile attacks and dire shortages of food, water, sanitation and a safe place to shelter.
The Canadian government has announced a family reunification program for a limited number of Palestinians. However, the scheme provides absolutely no financial support to newcomers and requires me to show financial ability to sustain the family in the initial stages.
So I am reaching out to others who might be able to help us rebuild our lives. I understand that everyone has their own financial commitments, but any contribution, no matter how small, will make a world of difference for us.
The costs of travel and resettlement are $11,000 CAD per person (£6,500 GBP / $8200 USD) and include, but are not limited to the following:
- Paperwork (biometrics, passports, application fees, insurance, etc.)
- Accommodation in Egypt until the Canadian visas are granted
- Flights from Egypt to Vancouver
- Resettlement costs in Canada (accommodation, furniture, clothing, etc.)
- English language classes
- Initial living expenses (food and bills) until family members can find work
With your help and generosity I wish to bring my parents, my 3 younger siblings, my married brother, his wife and 3 children, and my married sister, her husband and their 3 children to Canada. Some of the family has been injured and one brother is missing since the latest assault on Gaza, I wish to do as much as I can to help them while it is still possible.
As a first and urgent step I will try to bring my parents and 3 younger siblings. Once that fundraiser goal is reached with your help I am hopeful to be able to apply for the rest of the family.
Your thoughts, prayers, and support are invaluable to us during these challenging times. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for considering our plea, and we are immensely grateful for any assistance you can provide. I would also be grateful if you could consider sharing our GoFundMe campaign with your network, as spreading the word can have a tremendous impact.
May kindness and compassion surround you always.
With sincere gratitude,
Mohammed
Organizer
Mohammed Alzaza
Organizer
Vancouver, BC