The Ashour Family: A Heartbreaking Tale of Loss

Hi, my name is Basma and I am working on fundraising for my aunt and her family.

In the relentless turmoil of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the Ashour family finds themselves grappling with the aftermath of unthinkable loss. Their home, a sanctuary once filled with laughter and warmth, now lies in ruins, a stark reminder of the harsh realities of war. As if the loss of their shelter weren't enough, the family is confronted with hunger, painting a bleak picture of their daily struggle for survival.

Adding to the family's challenges is their 14-year-old member, who bears the weight of severe Down syndrome. Unaware of the intricacies of the conflict, this vulnerable soul is enveloped in fear, a fear further intensified by the ceaseless strikes that reverberate through the region. For a child who already navigates life with unique challenges, the chaos and uncertainty only deepen the emotional toll.

The family's plea for help goes beyond immediate relief; it's a call for compassion and support from the global community. The Ashour family requires not only the basic necessities such as food and clothing but also assistance in securing a lifeline away from the war zone. Evacuation is not just a matter of physical safety but a lifeline for the 14-year-old with Down syndrome, who deserves a haven of stability and peace.

To rally support for the Ashour family, a fundraising campaign has been launched, aiming to provide the essential resources needed for them to rebuild their shattered lives. Each contribution, no matter the size, holds the power to ease the immediate hardships faced by the Ashour family and offer a glimmer of hope in the midst of their darkest hours.

In this crucial moment, let us unite, extending our empathy and solidarity to the Ashour family. Together, we can make a tangible difference, offering comfort, relief, and the promise of a better tomorrow for those who need it most. The Ashour family's journey to recovery depends on our collective kindness and generosity – let us stand with them in their time of need.

Funding will help with immediate relief of basic necessities such as food and clothing as well as medications. Along with that, it will help with evacuating the family from Gaza to Egypt with the goal to reach Canada through the special measures for Canadians with extended family and have the family re-settled.

Travel and application expenses not covered by the Canadian government:

- Notary and translation fees for required documents (approx. $500 total)

- Application fees ($555 total)

- The stay in Cairo for 3-4 weeks waiting for paperwork (est. $3,500)

- Biometrics fees in Cairo (mandatory for adults) $510 total)

- Flight tickets from Cairo to Toronto (est. at $1,500/person, $9,000 total)

Settlement expenses (for the first 3 months until they are able to work):

- Rent with, some family accommodation already existing. (est. $2,000/house per month, $12,000 total)

- Furniture (est. $3,000)

- Personal essentials/winter clothing etc. (est. $3,000)

- Daily living expenses (est. $2,000/month x 3 months, $6,000 total)

More Information on Canada's Emergency Program

After months of pleas from Canadians with extended family members in the war zone, Immigration Canadian Minister Marc Miller announced the new temporary visa program for people in the Gaza Strip who have Canadian relatives. Miller called the situation in Gaza “unlivable,” he expects to have a temporary visa program up and running by Jan. 9, 2024. He underscored the challenges of getting out of the besieged Palestinian territory. Mr. Miller said that Canada has no guarantees from Israel, Hamas, or Egypt that extended family members on Canada's list will be able to leave. Moreover, the Canadian Government will not have any financial assistance for evacuees or their families in Canada. It means that my family will have to pay all the travel expenses, in addition to the settlement in Canada on their own.

All excess funds not used towards our family's emergency relocation will be donated to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF).

Thank you