Hello Everyone, My name is Rajab Alshanti from Gaza, Husband to a wife, Father to 2 boys and 4 girls, some of them in school and some in university.

We lived a very simple life however on the 7th of October, everything changed. This day was set to be followed by a lifetime of difficulties for me and my family, and the rest of Gaza. The war erupted in Gaza, which led to the dreams of me and my family being crushed. We were ordered to evacuate our homes from the North of Gaza, and move southwards, however where and how, no one knew. The price of evacuation was costly and everyone knew this. Naturally we were hesitant. Therefore despite the warnings, we decided to stay put in the North. What ensued in the next few days although difficult to put into words, could only be described as mayhem and chaos. The bombings and airstrikes were beginning to dramatically increase around us, and across the whole of North Gaza. We could only feel like the end was near for us. As fragments and shrapnel from the bombings and airstrikes surrounded us, the structure of our house began to weaken, and the situation we were in became very worrying, and impossible to handle. I hastily took me and my family and immediately evacuated towards central Gaza. What made matters worse, was that this was at the start of winter and due to our immediate evacuation, as a result of fear for our lives, we had no spare clothes and belongings to keep us warm during the winter temperatures which were upon us. We made it out of North Gaza with our lives only.

After 40 days of the War, and 40 days of living in fear, we were notified of the worst possible news. My Brothers house neighbours my house in the North, and we woke up to find out that both our house had been destroyed due to an air strike. We were heartbroken to find out that within my brother’s house, there had been my brother and my nephew, my sister and her husband and children. 9 members of my family had been killed as a result of an airstrike. I broke down upon hearing the news. The idea that I had escaped and my brother and sister had not, mentally broke me, and that feeling still to this day eats at me constantly. My brother’s wife and child that remain, are now under my care and responsibility.

We have lost our home and our family, and we cannot do anything about it, apart from ask for your help. The mental warfare we face due to the death of my family as well as the horrendous conditions we live in means that we are in a very difficult position and we need your help. For almost a year now, our hearts have been heavy with sadness and filled with grief. I very recently received pictures of what remains of my home and this only added to the depression we were in.

Through this depression I have with a heavy heart concluded that life within Gaza is no longer a possibility, and that our only other option is migrating out of Gaza. I believe this is necessary, to give my family and my children the life they deserve. As a father, there is nothing I want more than the safety of my wife and children, and migrating out of Gaza is the only way to do this. My children deserve an education and to live without constant fear for their lives. Despite the pain of leaving my homeland, and despite the rising costs of migration, I have no other choice. For their sake.

This is where I need your help. The cost of evacuation out of Gaza into Egypt is around 10,000 dollars per person. Unfortunately i can only afford this with the help of your generosity and kindness. For the sake and safety of my wife and children, please help us.

I wish every single person who read my story and every single person who helps us a lifetime of happiness, and I hope you never experience what we are experiencing right now.

My Cousin Nasser will be managing this account, and he will collect and transfer your funds. If you have any questions, be sure to get in touch with him!

Thank you all for your time and patience, and for listening to my story.