Donate to Help Abed, Hana & their 4 Boys Escape Gaza

Hello, I’m Priyanka Rego, and I live in Toronto, Canada with my husband and two young kids. Like many people, we have been horrified by the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. I came to learn of Abed Younes and his family (beneficiaries of this fundraiser) through my brother, Nasser, who is based in Palestine (not Gaza) and who has worked with Abed. Abed's family’s life has been shattered by the war - their home has been destroyed, the kids are out of school and the family are currently displaced to Rafah. They are desperate, as the dual threats of disease and military assault loom over their heads.

Abed’s family’s story is one of resilience and determination, but they desperately need your help to overcome the obstacles that stand in their way.

Tell me more about who this fundraiser is for

Abed is an English teacher and freelance translator.

He is married to Hana, a math teacher. Together, they have 4 boys, Kareem, Mohammed, Yamen and 1-year-old Adam. Like thousands of other Gazans, they live in a tent in Rafah with limited access to basic necessities, all while living with constant threats to their wellbeing.

But there is a ray of hope amidst the darkness. Abed’s family has a plan to escape the dangers of Gaza and rebuild their lives in Egypt. However, they need your support to make this dream a reality.

How will the funds be used?

We are running this fundraiser to cover the expenses of travel from Rafah to Egypt. The family must pass through Rafah Border Crossing, where they face exorbitant fees totaling $20,000 USD. This includes $5,000 USD per adult and $2,500 USD per child under 16 years old. With six family members, this amounts to $10,000 USD for Abed and his wife Hana, and another $10,000 USD for their four children.

But the challenges don't end there. Once in Egypt, the family will need at least $30,000 USD to cover accommodation and living expenses for three years. Gaza cannot be rebuilt overnight, and Abed's family needs a stable environment to start anew. They plan to establish a small startup, leveraging their expertise as educators to create an educational center. This venture will not only provide for their family but also contribute to the community.

As Abed shared with me, “We also need to register our 2 sons, Kareem and Mohammed, in schools, and our son Yamen in KG1, so they can continue their education, which is the most important thing for us”.

Why I’m fundraising for Abed and family..

Since GoFundMe only operates in a few European and North American countries, I will be collecting the funds on Abed family’s behalf and sending any money received.

Your support will also help Abed restore his livelihood. Before the crisis, he was a successful freelancer on Fiverr.com, but the shortage of power and internet in Gaza has severely impacted his ability to work. Despite his talent and dedication, he has been unable to secure jobs or projects, causing him to lose his top-rated seller rank on the platform.

This fundraiser represents the Abed's family's last glimmer of hope. With your generosity, we can help them escape the hellish conditions they currently endure and give them a chance to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference in their journey to a brighter future.

Here are some photos of Abed and his family

Abed with his four children, including 1-year old Adam, during the war, displaced in Rafah

Abed during his teaching days at the school, with his students and the school principal

Abed's family's home has been partially destroyed by the war and they can no longer live there

Abed's kids, like all kids in Gaza, are no longer in school in Gaza these days. They pass the time flying kites outside their temporary tent shelter in Rafah

Please, stand with Abed and his family in their time of need. Your kindness and compassion can make all the difference.

Thank you for your support and generosity.

Cover photo: This photo was taken in 2022, before the war. Abed, Hana and their three children (Kareem, Mohammed and Yamen). Adam hadn't been born yet.