Help Abu Tareq

Ismail Mukbil, a school principal from Arroub Refugee Camp, and a father of two daughters and one son has always been an inspiration. His life story is more like heroes we read about in books. He grew up in a family with very modest circumstances. Since he was a child he learned to be independent and support himself and his family. Despite living in tents and modest houses, Ismail was always a distinguished student. He is the only one educated among his 6 siblings. He fought for his education; walking to school to save pennies to buy books, handwriting books because he could not afford to buy them; writing notes in pencil so he could erase the notebooks and use them again the following year. He handled cold winter nights by one light blanket giving by UNRWA. He mentioned how one of his dreams as a student was to be able to buy and wear a sweater in winter. Ismail managed to survive, succeed and not only finish his undergraduate school, but to complete a very difficult and rare major then English Literature from a good university.

Impossible is a word that never exists in Ismail's dictionary. He raised his family with the same spirit, and never used his life story for petty or sympathy but for inspiration on how one could overcome circumstances. It is unique for a Palestinian refugee living modestly to have all his three children be educated on scholarships in good American universities. Ismail did not only focus on his children's education, but also the community as a whole. For over 20 years, he has voluntarily taught students English for free, and was available for people who needed help with school application, humanitarian needs, etc.

When their house in Arroub Refugee camp was burnt due to an electronic shock last December, Both his feet were burnt (a level III burnt) while trying to put off the fire. Ismail's family and friends were not shocked that Ismail never complained of the pain and continued to work and be there for his family. 6 months later, Ismail was diagnosed with Liver Cirrhosis. The news came as a shock to his family and people that knew him, especially because Ismail never drank and was an active and a healthy person. End of April 2013, his situation deteriorated and was immediately admitted to a hospital in Hebron. The doctors indicated that the liver cirrhosis became more severe and there was nothing they could do to save his life; noting there are no liver specialists in Palestine. The doctors said in order to save Ismail's life he has to have immediate liver transplant. He, thus, was immediately transferred to a hospital in Jordan for liver transplant. His work health insurance refused to cover liver transplant. and the surgery is very costly around $110,000.

His family took loans and borrowed money to cover the operation and the 2 month stay at the hospital in Jordan, but the cost is so high and they still need help to cover the expenses. Please help someone who never asked for help and managed to educate himself and his family despite the very modest life circumstances. Ismail Mukbil is known for his generosity and hospitality; always welcoming people especially the seeds of peace family to his home in Arroub Refugee Camp. It is very difficult for his dignified family to be asking for help. So let's all assist them in every way possible to cover the expenses and bring Ismail back to his family and one and a half grandchild who calls his name everyday not understanding where his 'Sedo' grandfather is.