Help Ziad leave North Gaza for higher education

I spent the last 200+ days hoping that this dreadful war would come to an end. I never expected to find myself with no choice other than seeking support through launching an online funding campaign, but the tough seven months that passed during this grueling war left me with limited options. I'm writing this now while feeling extremely anxious, and mentally exhausted. I feel drained of energy, and filled with fear that the future seems to have no glimmer of hope.

Dear supporters,

I am Ziad, a mechanical engineer, and an effective community leader. I have always been passionate about bringing positive change to my community, and helping others, especially children. Throughout the last years I led and coordinated multiple projects focusing on education and child protection. The projects I implemented helped hundreds of children in vulnerable communities access better education, and improved their surrounding protective environment. My enthusiasm to give got me also involved in dozens of other community and empowerment initiatives. I will make sure to share with you some highlights on my community work in future updates to this campaign.

Ziad while distributing psychological support bags and toys to kids in the north of Gaza during the war (Late March 2024).

I am also a multi-talented artist, having exhibited my artwork at art exhibitions. I play oud, and I sing.

Ziad next his artwork in an art gallery.

Ziad playing music on his Oud.

Since October seventh, I have been trying to survive in the North of Gaza, I have faced uncountable adversities, terror, hunger, and fear. My family and I were forcibly displaced more than five times so far, fleeing from death and bombs. This war has taken almost everything, I lost my home, my room, my memories, my artwork, and my beloved oud, they all turned into ashes. The feeling of losing everything in a blink of an eye is unbearable.

Ziad’s destroyed neighborhood and you can see his home on the top right corner.

Ziad’s destroyed and burnt home

Ziad's destroyed room (before/after).

Before this war, I had been considering traveling to Germany to pursue my higher education. I had aspirations of a successful academic journey, with hopes of achieving this while relishing life and exploring the world. I even enrolled in a German language course, completed the A1 level and began the A2 level. Unfortunately, I couldn't finish it due to the outbreak of war. Additionally, I had my own food startup, specializing in crafting delicious burgers, aiming to support myself financially and get me closer to my dream. Regrettably, I lost my startup and depleted all my savings during the tumultuous days of war.

Nevertheless, I remain committed to having this opportunity, rebuilding my aspirations, and finding some physical peace. I never contemplated nor desired leaving Gaza and my family in such circumstances. I steadily resisted forced displacement until now, and fled death many times, yet always resolved to remain in Gaza until permanent ceasefire . However, the staggering level of destruction we are witnessing and the formidable challenges we face have left me drained of energy.

Why do I need your support?

Recently I was presented with a great opportunity to join a masters in science program in energy systems at a university in Germany, which is considered one of the best in this field. I have received a conditional offer that I plan to accept. I urgently need to take the necessary steps to be ready to join this program and secure the related expenses including travel, accommodation, and other relocation expenses.

For this, I roughly need $30,000.

Evacuation expenses and arrival to Egypt $6,000

Bank deposit / guarantee in Germany $13,000

German language institute fees $2,000

Airfare and travel expenses to Germany $600

GoFundMe website fee $1500

Living expenses in Gaza 7000$

Other expenses

Your contribution, no matter how small it is, will bring back some hope, and push me to achieve my dreams. Every contribution will not only help me but also will allow me to be a source of support to my family back home in Gaza in the future.

Thank you,

Ziad Mousa