Help my family survive the Gaza war.

Dear All,

With a heavy heart, I reach out to you today seeking your assistance during a time of urgent need. My name is Omar Aldirawi, and for years, I've been a witness to the harsh realities of life in Gaza as a photojournalist. Now, I'm on a mission of a different kind: to ensure a safe future for me and my family amidst the chaos that surrounds us.

Recently, we received an invitation from Canada under Crisis in Gaza: Special measures for extended family members. However, the financial burden of relocation weighs heavily on us. We not only face the costs of visas and travel but also the daunting task of rebuilding our lives from scratch in a new country, including securing quality education for our children.

Our once vibrant home, filled with laughter and love, now bears the scars of war. In the midst of this devastation, my family of eight individuals, each with their own stories and hopes for the future, stands resilient. My siblings now look to me for guidance and hope as we confront our most daunting challenge yet.

One of the most painful consequences of the ongoing war has been the disruption of education for our children. Schools have become inaccessible, leaving their futures uncertain. The opportunity to move to Canada represents more than just safety; it's a chance for these young minds to return to their studies, to grow and explore their potential in a stable environment.

The urgency of our situation cannot be overstated. With tensions escalating and the threat of further escalations looming, I am desperate to relocate my family to safety before it's too late. This appeal for help is not made lightly; it's a plea for compassion and assistance in our time of dire need.

Your support would enable us to cover the essential costs of our journey and resettlement. It's not just a donation; it's a lifeline, offering us a chance at a new life away from fear and uncertainty. It's an investment in the future of our children, providing them with the educational opportunities they desperately need and deserve.

Below are the expenses we need assistance with:

Travel and Application Expenses:

Notary and translation fees for required documents (approx. $600 total)

Application fees for 8 people ($100/person, $800 total)

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

Biometrics fees in Cairo (mandatory for adults) ($170 x 4 families, $85 for individual mother, $765 total)

Flight tickets for 8 people from Cairo to Toronto (est. at $1,500/person, $12,000 total)

Settlement Expenses (for the first 3 months):

Rent for three houses or apartments (some family accommodation already existing) (est. $2,000/house per month, $18,000 total)

Furniture (est. $3,000)

Personal essentials/winter clothing, etc. (est. $2,000)

Ya Hala travel agency to facilitate our departure from Gaza (est. $40,000)

This is a call to action for anyone who believes in the power of humanity to change lives. With your help, we can offer my family a future filled with hope, security, and the opportunity to rebuild in a place where peace is not just a dream, but a reality. Together, we can turn despair into hope and tragedy into a new beginning.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any support you can provide.

Warm regards,

Omar Aldirawi