Support Mahmoud Qahman's Journey to Safety and Learning

Hello dear ones. My name is Lauren Kamp, and I am an artist living in Portland, Oregon. I am sponsoring my friend Mahmoud’s campaign to reach safety and continue his education. I met Mahmoud through a program called ‘Creators for Gaza’ connecting artists with verified campaigns. As I worked to create art to boost the campaign of his sister, her husband, and their two children, Mahmoud was my point of contact. He shared his sister’s hopes and dreams, while prioritizing her and her small family’s journey to safety. Now that her campaign has reached its goal, I hope you will take the time to read about Mahmoud’s experience in his own words below, and both share and donate to support his goals.

Dear friends and supporters,

I am Mahmoud Qahman, writing to you from a dire situation due to the escalating conflict in Gaza.

**Background:**

I am a final-year high school student who was forced to leave my home, school, and means of livelihood within just five days of the conflict breaking out. My home in northern Gaza is now severely damaged and uninhabitable. My family and I have been displaced four times, moving from one tent to another, from one hardship to another. As you know, each displacement brings with it a story of despair and suffering. The educational system has completely collapsed, leading to the interruption of many students' futures in Gaza and forcing them to seek their educational future outside Gaza's borders. I am one of the notable examples of this category.

**Current Situation:**

I now live in a temporary tent in an area called "Mawasi Khan Younis." With each passing day, the situation becomes increasingly dangerous, as the constant threat of death casts a shadow over my life. I am not seeking sympathy through my words; I am seeking an opportunity to convey the stark reality of our vulnerability and the immediate danger we face. Everything is at a standstill—from the educational system to the healthcare system—as if the days are passing without us realizing that my life has been unjustly and inexplicably taken. My future may collapse if you do not contribute to saving me.

**A Call for Mercy:**

Amidst this chaos, I insist on continuing my educational journey, which is still in its early stages. I am striving hard to rekindle some hope in my extinguished spirit, hope that was lost among the ruins of dilapidated and destroyed schools. When you see a spirit like this emerging from true hardship and challenges, you feel it will leave a mark on this world. I am embarrassed to reach out to you in this manner, but I hope your support will be the means to rebuild my life and achieve my goals.

I am now in my final year of school and will need your support to continue my university education afterward. Let us revive a spirit and achieve a goal that can serve us all, not just me.

**How You Can Make a Difference:**

Your donation and financial support are crucial. It will directly help me cover the logistical costs of my educational journey, ensuring the fulfillment of my dreams.

**How I Will Use Your Donations:**

I plan to leave Gaza when the Egyptian border crossing opens, a bold step that could cost around $10,000 for coordination with the relevant authorities and securing the logistical services for the journey from Gaza to Cairo. This is the primary goal of this campaign. The secondary goal is to start my educational journey through distance learning or learning with coordination with the Palestinian embassy in Cairo. I will use the funds to cover living expenses, rent, and university fees. After this long journey, you will see me in a prestigious position, actively working to help every innocent soul striving to achieve their goals and ambitions, just as you helped me.

**A Final Word:**

Every contribution, no matter how small, brings a glimmer of hope. I urge you to stand in solidarity with me; your support embodies love, mercy, and unity.

Please help me spread this appeal, and let us unite to make this dream a reality.