Bring the Hemaid family from Gaza to Canada

✨ Help Us Bring Rani's Family to Canada ✨

Hey Amazing Community,

I'm Angelune from Hamilton, Ontario, and I'm reaching out to all of you for a cause that hits close to home. My friend and neighbour Rani Hemaid is from Gaza. I met Rani in 2016 when we were both part of the group Hamilton Friends of Refugees, and he volunteered as a translator when our group welcomed a family from Syria. We have been friends since then. Right now his family is facing unimaginable challenges. Together, let's make a difference in their lives.

The Story:

Rani's family history is one of resilience, displacement, and hope. His maternal grandfather, Saeed Hassan, was displaced during the Nakba in 1948 when he was only 6 years old, forced to walk 40 km from Isdod to Gaza. Over the years, Gaza became his home, and despite the hardships, his family held onto the dream of returning to Isdod. His daughter Nuha grew up and married Mohammed Hemaid, and had two sons, Shadi and Rani, and two daughters Shoruq and Aseel.

Rani’s family did not have money growing up. His big brother, Shadi worked hard to save money to open his own clothing store, and build a house for his family and parents. After his apartment was destroyed by Israeli bombs in 2014, Shadi worked even harder and saved money to build a house where he could live with his parents. In 2016 they moved into the two-storey house he built. Shadi and Rani’s parents, Mohammed and Nuha, lived on the main floor, while the second floor is for Shadi, his wife Maram, and their five children, Zaina (10), Rahaf (9), Sali (7), and twins Mohammed and Mariam (2). If it hadn’t been for this war, Shadi would have made the last payment on the mortgage of the house in December 2023 and would have owned it outright. Now that house and the business that made it possible are rubble.

The Current Situation:

After the atrocious events of October 7th and Israel's subsequent declaration of war, the family left Gaza City and sought safety in the south of the Gaza Strip. They have now moved 5 times in the last seven weeks, and still aren’t safe. Currently, the family members are now sheltering in Rafah in an overcrowded apartment.

We are waiting for the Canadian government to launch a program to allow Gazans to come to Canada, similar to programs that allowed Ukrainians to come to Canada when their country was invaded by Russia. As soon as they are permitted by the Canadian government, the family will leave Gaza via the Rafah crossing into Egypt. The Egyptian government only allows people to stay for 72 hours.

Funds raised will be transferred to Rani, and he will manage the purchase of airfare for his family. Once the family has arrived in Canada, funds will be used to secure housing, furnish the apartment, clothe the family, and help them establish a new life in Hamilton.

How You Can Make a Difference:

Why Your Support Matters:

Share this post, donate if you can, and let's show that we stand together as a community. Thank you!