Help Evacuate my Family from Gaza

*IMPORTANT- Tallal Ash is my friend and lives in Belgium now. He will transfer the money directly to me because GoFundMe doesn't operate in UAE where I currently live.

My name is Amani, and I grew up in Gaza, surrounded by my family's love. In 2017, destiny led me away from Gaza, marking the beginning of years without seeing my family. Distance grew between us, as did my siblings, without me by their side. We were on the cusp of reuniting when unforeseen circumstances, fueled by conflict, shattered our plans, leaving us once again separated by more than just miles.

More than 120 days have passed since the tragic events in the Gaza Strip. As the morning dawns, I find myself grappling with questions: is there still hope amidst this turmoil? Will this nightmare ever cease? Must I abandon all my previous failed attempts? What steps should I take now? Or should I resign myself to a more tragic fate?

In light of these uncertainties, I have decided to fight for my family and to take the seemingly impossible task of evacuating them from the Gaza Strip. I refuse to allow death to take them from me. I will not surrender! Though the journey ahead may be arduous, I am committed to exploring every available option. I am determined to knock on every possible door and implore the world for assistance. Thus, I find myself compelled to share my story.

I am the eldest and only daughter in a family comprising my father, mother, and five brothers. Fate dictated that my destiny would diverge from that of the rest of my family—myself and two of my brothers were fortunate enough to survive out of the world's largest open-air prison: Gaza.

Currently, my family resides in southern Gaza, in a dwelling housing 80 displaced individuals, all cramped together, struggling for sustenance and a mere sip of water. They take turns sleeping, as there are insufficient blankets and mattresses. Despite being in an area purportedly designated as safe by the Israeli occupation, my family is not spared from the relentless bombings and threats of extermination. They endure these horrors daily.

My family includes my parents, two brothers, and their respective families. My older brother is married with two children, Youssef and Ahmed. Unfortunately, I have yet to experience the joy of their presence, their laughter, or their sweet fragrance. Youssef, now three and a half years old, utters endearing, mispronounced words and yearns to be with me, his aunt, despite the ever-present fear of drone strikes and bombings. It hurts and agonizes me deeply to witness his innocence juxtaposed with the harsh realities of war.

Little Ahmed, just over a year old, has been afflicted with osteomalacia since birth. The lack of access to medical care and supplies has exacerbated his condition. Ahmed and Yousef, Those two little kids are all my world, whom I am constantly dreaming of holding and playing with. As an aunt, they make my world whole through the sound of their laughter which I yearn for. I have been deprived of my morning ritual of video calling with them so my day becomes a better one; because of the brutal war on my beloved ones.

Children do not start wars, but they are always the ones who pay the highest price.

I have the right to do everything I can to rescue what I still have left of their souls and innocence, and just to have a peaceful second where I can enjoy their heads upon my shoulder under a safe sky far away from the sound of bombs to the sound of peace.

My brother Alam, their father deserves long nights of sleep and rest without worrying the whole night that a bomb can take the apples of his eyes away, without the need to endure the fear of losing them and having to guard them while sleeping.

I deserve to hug and cuddle my family and my beloved ones and to have long conversations going through our memories together and laughing as kids.

I just need to bring them to safety where they can go back to normal breathing, eating, walking, not caring for anything but to live, to enjoy and to heal.

On the other hand, my father's health is deteriorating due to a neck disc problem and the aftermath of a stroke. Procuring essential medications for him has become nearly impossible given the current circumstances. My heart aches and bleeds witnessing the suffering of the souls of the most precious two people in my life who gave me the gift of life.

I’m standing here helpless and hopeless, all I wish for is to be able to meet them outside of the big prison in health, safety and peace.

Desperation compels us to seek safety. The fear of losing our loved ones, including my parents and nephews, weighs heavily on me every single day. The pervasive uncertainty surrounding the situation offers no solace, leaving us bereft of hope for an end to the war anytime soon.

The Goal:

Thanks to your humanity, kind hearts and support , we can work together to reunite my family in a safe place. Your help will secure their exit from Gaza across the Egyptian border where I dream of meeting and holding them, at an estimated cost of $5,000 per family member. These are only the costs that we need to pay to the Egyptian side to guarantee their evacuation safely. Every one of my family members is as important as the other, I can’t bear the guilt of evacuating some of them and leaving the other captivated under the ongoing, bombing, death and war.

I appreciate every donation playing a role in gathering us safely and peacefully to rest and heal. Your support is the hope amidst darkness, grief and lots of pain.

Thank you for considering our appeal and for your unwavering support