Emergency Aid Needed to War Torn Families in Gaza

Story:

In the midst of chaos and destruction, there are stories of resilience and hope that shine through. This is the story of my friend's family, trapped in Gaza amidst the horrors of war, desperately seeking a way out to rebuild their shattered lives.

Imagine losing everything you hold dear in an instant. This is the harsh reality my friend's family faced as bombs tore through their neighborhood, leaving behind nothing but rubble and despair. They were lucky to escape with their lives, but the devastation was unfathomable. Their once vibrant home reduced to ashes, their belongings scattered, and the painful loss of loved ones weighing heavy on their hearts.

Now, they find themselves in a constant state of fear and uncertainty, living in cramped quarters, struggling to make ends meet, and haunted by the memories of what they've endured. But amidst the darkness, they refuse to lose hope. They cling to their dreams, however distant they may seem, and strive to create a better future for their children.

My friend dreams of becoming a life coach, guiding others through adversity with the wisdom gained from his own experiences. His wife's passion for fashion design burns bright, despite the bleak circumstances, and their children harbor dreams of athletic glory and culinary excellence. These dreams, once distant, now serve as beacons of light in their darkest hour.

But dreams alone cannot rebuild what has been lost. They need help, the kind of help that restores faith in humanity and offers a lifeline in their time of need. Your donation, no matter how small, can make a world of difference to this family. With your generosity, we can help them escape the horrors of war and start anew in a safe environment where they can pursue their dreams without fear.

Together, we can be the architects of hope, weaving a cloak of resilience and strength to shield this family from further harm. Please, open your hearts and lend a helping hand to those who need it most.

Your support can make a life-changing difference and bring light to the darkest of days.

Thank you for your compassion and generosity!

Hi there,

My name is Gillis Bratsch, originating from Denver, Colorado now in Texas. I've had the honor of knowing Ahmed Wakil, since 2018, our paths intertwining through the channels of my life and business coaching company. From our very first encounter, it became evident that Ahmed and I shared a profound dedication to empowering individuals on their journey of personal transformation. Yet, little did I realize the depth our friendship would reach amidst the tumult of war.

Ahmed, married to Ola Waleed El-Hammami, is a loving father to three beautiful girls. Since the onset of the war in Gaza, my thoughts have been consumed by concern for my friend. I'll never forget the day I received a voice message from him, his words shattered by grief, informing me of the unimaginable loss he had suffered. It's a pain I can't even begin to comprehend.

From the very beginning of our friendship, Ahmed spoke of his desire to escape Gaza and rebuild his life somewhere safe. He harbored dreams of providing a better future for his family, but the path to realizing those dreams seemed elusive. However, with the outbreak of war and the devastation it wrought, Ahmed's aspirations were dashed, leaving him and his family struggling to survive, with even basic necessities like food and water at times out of reach. To compound matters, one of his daughters, who struggles with diabetes, requires ongoing medical attention.

In 2022, my husband Anthony and I founded Prayer Nation, a non-profit organization in response to the pressing needs of those who have lost everything and are seeking a second chance at life. Now, faced with the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, our mission has taken on renewed urgency. We are determined to provide Ahmed and his family with the support they need to start anew, including access to medical supplies, fresh food, and clean water.

Our goal is clear: to rally support for those trapped in Gaza, offering them a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of conflict. Your contribution can make a tangible difference in the lives of Ahmed, his family, and countless others who are facing unimaginable hardship. Together, let's rewrite their story, offering them a chance to rebuild and reclaim their future. Thank you for your compassion and generosity!

Donations will be spent on the Following:

Your generous donation will make a significant impact on Ahmed and his family, enabling them to leave their war-torn country and seek safety elsewhere. The cost of escaping for each adult is approximately $5,000 US, while it amounts to about $3,000 US per child. In total, Ahmed and his family will need around $20,000 just to start anew and leave behind the traumas they have endured.

They have been stripped of everything – their home, their possessions, and even their sense of security. With your support, we aim to raise an additional $20,000 to provide them with the means to afford a safe place to live, access food and water, purchase clothing for job interviews, and ensure their children can return to school. Your contribution will be life-changing for Ahmed and his family as they rebuild their lives from scratch. Thank you for your compassion and generosity in this crucial time of need.

Ahmed's Family Before the War:

Ahmed's Children at their home before it was destroyed.

Ahmed's Family Now:

Update: 5-8-2024

I am devastated to hear that Ahmed and his family have once again lost everything they had in another attack that destroyed their temporary home. They are now fleeing for safety, searching for a secure place to find refuge. My heart aches for them, and I am anxiously waiting to hear from Ahmed to know that they are safe. Any assistance or support to help them escape the cycle of fear and uncertainty would be greatly appreciated. Let's come together to offer a helping hand in their time of need.

Update: 06/09/2024

Ahmed and his family have found a temporary home. At first, they felt helpless and like all was lost, with no hope in sight. However, the incredible generosity of each and every person who has donated to help them find safety has been truly heartwarming. This support has reignited a spark of hope in Ahmed and his family. I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your kindness and generosity. Every contribution, no matter how small—even $5—makes a significant difference. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

This is their current new home…

Their bathroom/shower…

Update: 06/11/2024

I want to extend my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you who has graciously donated to support Ahmed's family. Your generosity and kindness mean the world to us. Sadly, the situation in Gaza remains precarious, with the border currently blocked and unsafe to cross. As a result, Ahmed and his family are unable to leave until conditions improve.

We are incredibly grateful for your thoughts and prayers during this challenging time. In light of the escalating costs associated with escaping the region, I have increased the fundraising goal to $30,000. Your continued support and contributions are crucial in helping us reach this target and secure Ahmed and his family's safety.

We remain hopeful that with your ongoing support, we will be able to navigate these difficult circumstances and ensure Ahmed and his loved ones find refuge soon. Thank you once again for your unwavering support and compassion.

Update: June 21, 2024

We are excited to announce that we have made a final increase in our fundraising goal to accommodate the needs of Ahmed's family as they make their journey from Gaza to Malaysia. The reason for this adjustment is that Ahmed's family will require flights to Egypt, where his wife and children will initially relocate before he joins them. In addition to transportation costs, they will also need assistance with boarding, food, water, clothes, medical care, and other essentials until Ahmed is able to reunite with them in Egypt.

Once the family is settled in Egypt, their ultimate destination will be Malaysia. This will require additional funds for flights to Malaysia, as well as support for boarding, supplies, furniture, water, food, and financial assistance to sustain them until Ahmed is able to secure employment in their new home.

Your continued generosity and support are greatly appreciated as we work towards helping Ahmed and his family rebuild their lives in a safe and stable environment. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us.

Exciting Update!!: July 1, 2024

I have just received word from Ahmed that he has successfully managed to get his wife and children to safety in Egypt. They are now just hours away from reaching their destination. Due to his daughter's health issues, they were able to secure their departure from the country. Our hope and prayer is that Ahmed will soon be able to join them.

July 21, 2024

Update: I apologize for the delay in providing an update. It has taken a month for GoFundMe to release the funds, but I am happy to report that we now have access to them. Thanks to your support, Ola and the kids are safe and doing well in Egypt. They now have the means to purchase much-needed medicine for their daughter and clothing, as they have only had the clothes on their backs for the past 6+ months. Your generosity has not only ensured their safety but has also allowed them to start rebuilding their lives, including exploring schooling options for the children.

Unfortunately, due to the funds being stuck in GoFundMe, Ahmed was unable to leave Gaza with his family. He remains there, and I am praying for a solution to bring him to safety soon, as I'm sure his wife and children are worried about his well-being. Your kindness has made a significant impact on their lives, and they are truly grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you so much for your continued support.

Update 7/22/2024: We are incredibly grateful for all of your generous support, as it has allowed Ola and her daughters to find safety and begin the process of healing from the traumas of war. Your kindness and compassion have made a significant impact on their lives, providing them with a sense of hope and security during this challenging time. As a token of our appreciation, we wanted to share some photos of Ola and the girls, showcasing the smiles and resilience that your support has helped to restore in their lives. Thank you for making a difference and for being a source of light and comfort in their journey towards recovery.

Update: 12/5/24

Dear Donors,

I hope this message finds you well. I want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity in supporting Ahmed and his family during this challenging time. The war has devastated their lives and taken away everything they once held dear, but your contributions have made a significant difference.

Thanks to your kindness, Ahmed’s wife, Ola, and their children are safe and supported. Their daughter has received the medication she needed, and they are doing well under the circumstances. They often express how grateful they are for your help, and they truly do not know what they would have done without your support.

Your generosity has provided them with hope and security amidst the chaos and uncertainty they are facing. It means the world to them and to all of us who care about their well-being.

We are also praying for the day when the borders will open, allowing Ahmed to be reunited with his beloved wife and children, whom he misses dearly.

Once again, thank you for your compassion and support. Together, we are making a meaningful impact in their lives during this difficult time.

3/6/25 Update:

”Whats left of their home”

”Whats left of their home”

“Their only source of fresh water”

A Heartfelt Thank You

We extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has so generously contributed to support Ahmed and his family during this incredibly challenging time. Your kindness has provided a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty, with recent discussions of peace and the potential reopening of borders. However, the situation remains dire, and the path ahead is still fraught with challenges.

The images you see depict the remnants of Ahmed’s home—completely destroyed. The only source of accessible water now comes from trucks, as shown in the photos. Despite the devastation, the Gaza children are trying to find joy in the midst of hardship, a testament to their resilience.

Ahmed has been separated from his family for over nine long months. While his wife and children have managed to escape due to his daughter’s health issues, they have also faced their own struggles. Thankfully, his daughter is now receiving treatment from a specialist, which brings a sense of hope for her recovery.

The greatest challenge that lies ahead is Ahmed’s ability to leave Gaza and reunite with his family. Once they are together again, they will face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from the ground up. Their home is lost, and they have nothing to return to, but they remain steadfast in their hope for a brighter future.

Thank you for standing with Ahmed and his family during this critical time. Your support is not just a donation; it is a lifeline of hope as they navigate the uncertainty ahead. Together, we can help them find a way forward.