My name is Basem Bader, a Palestinian-American living in NJ. I am starting this GoFundMe to shine a light on the dire situation my family and countless others are enduring in war-torn Gaza. 

For the past six months, the civilians in Gaza, including my family, have been trapped in a relentless cycle of violence and destruction, where basic necessities like food, shelter, and medical treatment have become luxuries they can hardly afford. The sounds of explosions echo through the streets, and the fear of losing loved ones hangs heavy in the air. Their once vibrant community has been reduced to rubble, with their homes destroyed by relentless bombings, and livelihoods shattered. 

The lack of access to food, clean water, adequate shelter, and medical treatment has lead them to their lowest point. Every meal is a struggle, and the constant threat of hunger gnaws at their souls. Medical supplies are scarce, and those who fall ill or are injured face unimaginable suffering without proper treatment. My first cousin, Taim 14 years old, has devoloped Toxic Hepatitis from the toxins in the air from the continuous bomings. This condition causes irreversible damage to the liver and there are no standing hospitals left in which he can get treatment, nor does he have a home to go rest in. Toxic hepatitis has become an epidemic amongst you children in the area. My grandmother has heart disease and is no longer able to receive her medications. 

Despite their devastation, they still have some hope. Your generous donations will go towards providing essential aid to families like mine, helping us secure food, shelter, and medical care. Your support could mean the difference between life and death for those in Gaza. 

If a ceasefire doesn't become plausible, your contributions could help them escape this cycle of violence by providing the means to relocate to safety. The journey to Egypt is dangerous and expensive, but with your help, we can take the first steps towards a brighter future.

For those who have lost everything – their homes, their belongings, their sense of security – your kindness offers a glimmer of hope. Together, we can rebuild not just buildings, but lives. Together, we can show the world that even in the darkest of times, humanity prevails.

As for allocating these funds, we have entrusted my Uncle Mohammad with receiving and distributing the money based on necessity. I have approximately 20 family members who will be supported through this Fundraiser, including my Uncle Mohammad, his wife and three kids, my Uncle Yasser, his wife and six kids, my 2 aunts and their bundle of kids, and most importantly my Grandfather and Grandmother. For the last few months we have been sending donations through Western Union, and while it is difficult for my Uncle Mohammad to obtain, he has been successful in receiving the money. I hope I have made the process clear and easy to understand as I am aware of worries contributors may have in regard to the money reaching Gaza. 

Thank you for standing with us in our time of need. Your generosity will not be forgotten, and your compassion will help us reclaim our dignity and our dreams!

Before and After of our Home in Gaza

My Precious Cousins (Uncle Mohammad’s Kids) Pre-War Photos

Post-War Photos