Help Ahmed and his Family Evacuate to Safety

Hi All,

my name is Aileen Hiralal and I'm a Dutch citizen living in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. My friend from Gaza is trying to raise funds to get his family out of Gaza or to restore their home if they are allowed to return. Due to their geographical location and the restrictions from GoFundMe as well as PayPal I am stepping in to help launch this campaign. All donations will go directly to Ahmed and his family. Please support if you can, any amount, however small can help bring his family on a journey to safety.

Below the story of my friend Ahmed Alashi and his family:

I am Ahmed Alashi (instagram ), a 23-year-old software developer, and dreamer from Gaza's once vibrant but now shattered streets. My world, like that of my family, has been turned upside down by a relentless war that spares no one.

In this poignant photograph, captured on the day of my graduation from the Islamic University of Gaza, I stand proud as a symbol of resilience and achievement. With a Software Development degree in hand and the honor of being the first in my class with a GPA of 95.71, the joy and sense of accomplishment radiate from this moment. Little did I know that the backdrop of this milestone would soon be marred by the devastating impact of war. As the conflict unfolded, dreams were shattered, and the very foundation upon which my aspirations were built crumbled. This image encapsulates not only the triumph of educational success but also serves as a visual narrative of the stark reality that war has the power to dismantle the dreams of individuals striving for a better future.

Our family home in the Tal-Elhawa in the Gaza Strip, once a haven of laughter and love, now stands fractured and marred by war's relentless touch. Each corner of destruction around us is a stark reminder of the peace and tranquillity that seem like distant dreams. Within these broken walls, my family, encompassing my parents, siblings, and young nephews, clings to fragments of hope. We live with the constant fear of getting lost in the rubble or succumbing to the relentless barrage of rockets.

This war has not only demolished our physical abode but has also shattered our pillars of education. The university where I studied Software Development and graduated from being the first of my class now lies in ruins, a poignant symbol of our shattered educational aspirations. My siblings, once eager to embark on their educational journey, now stand at a crossroads, their paths to learning and growth obscured by the debris of war.

In Gaza, the birthplace of my dreams, the scenery has been permanently altered by war. This war has taken from us much more than our homes and familiar surroundings; it has also robbed us of cherished friends. Each loss has taken a toll on my spirit, gradually fading the future I had imagined for myself and my family in these turbulent times.

As we confront this harsh reality, we are preparing to embark on a journey towards new beginnings, guided by faith and hope. The cost of this journey is daunting. To relocate 14 members of the Alashi family, including my elderly parents, my four sisters and the little ones, we need between $5,000 and $6,000 per person (source for evacuation costs, see bottom of the campaign for complete list of the names).

The breakdown of these costs includes - per person:

This campaign extends beyond a mere request for financial support; it is an impassioned appeal for compassion, empathy, and unity. It seeks not only monetary aid but a collective understanding of the challenges faced.

IMPORTANT: My sister is battling chronic asthma and type 2 respiratory failure and she urgently needs care. Her oxygen tank has to be refilled everyday to ensure that she receives enough oxygen in her blood. Your support can make a world of difference in her fight for health and well-being.

Thank you for being a beacon of hope in these challenging times and this dire situation.

With gratitude,

Ahmed Alashi and his family

____

Disclaimer:

Please note that this campaign is organized and managed by Aileen Hiralal and Ahmed Alashi . Aileen will be responsible for overseeing the collection of funds and ensuring they are, together with Ahmed, used solely to cover the evacuation fees and related expenses for our family members:

We are ready to offer further details, answer queries, and if needed, share documents to confirm our situation's authenticity and urgency. You can reach out here or on Instagram (instagram).

PS. We are aware that the total cost far exceeds the goal we have set for this campaign. We have determined this amount with the hope that it will cover the most critical expenses. Our family is committed to contributing as much as we can from our resources to bridge any gaps.

UPDATE: Originally initiated for the urgent evacuation process, this campaign served as a lifeline during times of uncertainty. However, should a ceasefire occur before our successful evacuation to Egypt, the collected funds will seamlessly transition towards the critical task of rebuilding our decimated home in Gaza. The adaptability of this campaign reflects the unpredictable nature of our circumstances, ensuring that every contribution made by our supporters remains dedicated to the overarching goal of restoring stability and rebuilding lives. Your continued support is the driving force behind our resilience and determination in the face of adversity.