Explore Corps

Dear Friends,

We are excited to announce a new fundraising initiative in memory of one of the founding members of the Gaza Surf Club, Ahmed Abu Hassira. The story of Ahmed and his friend Mohammed Abo Jayab was the spark that launched The Gaza Surf Club as well as the other international efforts to support Gaza’s surfing community including Surfing 4 Peace and Gaza Surf Relief. Ahmed was a skilled and proficient waterman who could always be found surfing, diving, spearfishing or lifeguarding along the shores of Gaza City. He was a quiet and thoughtful friend and a skilled craftsman, creating arts and crafts which he gave out as gifts to show his thanks to friends and supporters.

Tragically, Ahmed was killed in the first year of the war while out looking for food and supplies for his family. His family is now led by his eldest son, Mahmoud, who just graduated from high school and who has been thrust into the difficult role of breadwinner for his family during this tumultuous time. But Mahmoud is as hard working as his father and despite the chaos of the last two years, Mahmoud just completed his national exams and scored so highly that he has qualified for medical school in Gaza. Becoming a doctor has always been Mahmoud’s dream and it has been a goal that his father always encouraged him to stive for. Ahmed’s father, Mahmoud’s grandfather, was also a doctor in Gaza and Ahmed spoke proudly of his father’s legacy of service and care to his community. Mahmoud dreams of continuing that legacy but he needs our help.

With his family to support and few opportunities for employment available, feeding his family and paying for medical school at the same time is not an option for Mahmoud. So we are launching this fundraiser to cover Mahmoud’s medical school tuition so that he can achieve his dream and support his family. Tuition for medical school in Gaza is charged in Jordanian Dinars and the amount translates to roughly $3000 USD per semester for a total of 10 semesters. We are therefore working to raise $36,000 USD, which will cover tuition for 10 semesters, a $500 stipend each semester for books and expenses, and $1000 to cover the fees charged by GoFundMe.

It was Ahmed Abo Hassira’s kindness, generosity and cooperative spirit that helped to introduce Gaza’s surfers to the world. We can think of no better way to honor that spirit than by supporting his son Mahmoud’s hard work and ambition as he assumes his father’s role and responsibilities. As Ahmed’s family work to rebuild their lives, we hope that you will join us in building a new horizon of hope and possibility for Mahmoud and the Abo Hassira family. Your financial contribution of any size will help to make this a reality.

About Us:

This fundraiser is being operated by Explore Corps, a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization implementing unique projects in outdoor education, recreation and the arts. Explore Corps is the parent organization behind The Gaza Surf Club, launched in 2008. You can find out more about Explore Corp and The Gaza Surf Club at www.explorecorps.org. Please feel free to contact us thru the link in the fundraiser with any questions that you may have. And thank you for your generous support!