Help my brother Tamer's family build a new life after Gaza

Team fundraiser

Abir ElZowidi and Daniel Pincus are organizing this fundraiser.

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My name is Abir Elzowidi. I live in Los Angeles, CA. My brother Tamer is my younger brother and best friend; a modern, educated guy, a devoted husband, father, and friend living with his family in northern Gaza. Even though it was heavily bombed and attacked, he and his family are still there and are terrified about remaining vulnerable and living in terrible conditions. There's only one way out of Gaza for them: they have to raise the funds needed to pay Egypt to allow them entry through Rafah.

I've lost 43 of my family members in Gaza since the war started and I am very scared to lose Tamer and his family. As his older sister, I could never forgive myself for not trying to help them. I am not wealthy, so I need YOUR help.

Tamer's Story:

My name is Tamer Al Zwaidi. I am 49 years old and married to Nedaa and we have five beautiful children. Sarah (18), Mahmoud (16), Reem (12), Salma (9), and Mirra (5).

We have lived in North Gaza City. After October 7, at the beginning of the war in Gaza with the bombings, I sensed that this was no ordinary war, and then we had to get out. I abandoned our home with my family and was able to move towards central Gaza. It was a week after our home was bombed and everything destroyed that I heard about it. We lost everything, food and shelter. The children lost their schools, friends, security, and hope. We have been displaced now for the fifth time.

Nedaa and I are sorely afraid for our children. My son is injured and I am terrified for my daughters. We have been searching for a safe shelter for months now, moving from place to place. Wounded, hungry, and dying people are everywhere. No one is protected. Now we are looking for any kind of food. The hay we used to bake has run out. But, we are grateful to be alive and our family is together.

My daughters Reem and Salma

Once we can cross the border to Egypt, the first thing I must do is take my children to a doctor for treatment after being exposed to white phosphorus. Once we are in Egypt, we must apply for replacement passports. Once we have passports, I will apply for refugee status for my family in any country in Africa that is accepting refugees. There we will start over in a new life.

I am asking for your help to leave Gaza so that I can protect my family. Any contribution will help us reach safety and shelter. Please help my children to hold on to hope. Thank you for your humanity.

The evacuation fees from Gaza to Egypt range from $5000 to $7000 per person. Any donation raised beyond the total needed for evacuation will be used to secure a shelter for us.