Help Abood and His Family Leave Gaza

A message from Abood:

Dear friends around the world. I am Abdullah al-Ghafari. Married and I have two children. We need help our friends all over the world. We want to leave here from Gaza. Live here has become impossible. Because of the great destruction, which he suffered by Gaza. Please help in order to get out of here as soon as possible. This is required for travel and coordination procedures for exiting the crossing. Please help in peace

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Hi everyone,

My name is Brittany, and I'm reaching out to you with a heartfelt plea for help. Back in October, I stumbled upon the incredible work of a man named Abood who has been tirelessly caring for street cats in Gaza for several years. Little did I know that this connection would lead me to a profound friendship and a deep understanding of the harrowing reality faced by Abood and his family.

Abood, a former accountant at a non-profit hospital, has dedicated the last several years of his life to feeding and caring for stray animals amidst the chaos of Gaza. His compassion knows no bounds, and his resilience in the face of adversity is nothing short of inspiring. Our correspondence over the past few months has shed light on the unimaginable horrors unfolding in Gaza. Abood, residing in an area north of Wadi Gaza, has endured unspeakable losses—over 100 family members and friends, including the tragic loss of his sister's unborn child due to white phosphorus exposure. Despite the relentless suffering, Abood has remained a beacon of hope, steadfast in his commitment to his community. However, the recent escalation of violence and the deteriorating humanitarian situation have left Abood and his family in grave danger. The prices to leave Gaza are exorbitant, far beyond their means. The Rafah crossing offers a glimmer of hope, but the financial burden is overwhelming at $7,500 per adult and $3000 per child.

Here's where we come in. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of Abood (26), his wife (23), his parents, and Abood’s two young children (2 1/2 and 1 1/2). Our goal is to raise funds to facilitate their safe passage out of Gaza and support them on their journey to seeking asylum.

The cost breakdown is:

4 adult visas ($7500 each) for

and 2 child visas ($3000 each) for Abood’s kids, Naama and Louay, totaling $36,000. Our goal is much higher than the cost of the visas because there are a lot of extra costs involved such as transportation (traveling from the North to the South is extremely dangerous and can cost thousands per person), to provide Abood and his family with aid until they can travel, to help Abood and his family once they arrive in Egypt, and plane tickets to claim asylum somewhere in the EU. Abood has siblings he would like to be able to evacuate eventually as well.

Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will have a profound impact on Abood's family. It will provide them with the opportunity to rebuild their lives free from the constant threat of violence and persecution. Every dollar brings them one step closer to safety, security, and the chance for a brighter future.

In accordance with GoFundMe regulations, I will oversee the collection of funds and ensure that they are transferred to Abood via wire transfer. Transparency and accountability are paramount, and I am committed to keeping you updated every step of the way. A little about me (GoFundMe asks I include this): I live in Los Angeles, and I have been involved in animal rescue for ~20 years.

Together, we can be the lifeline that Abood and his family desperately need. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity and compassion. Your support means more than words can express!