Brooklyn Family Devastated by Fire

People on our quiet Kensington, Brooklyn block were alarmed to see multiple fire trucks with lights spinning and sirens on full blast this morning. When we learned the trucks were here to put out a fire at the home of the Thabateh family, our hearts collectively sank. Thankfully, nobody was hurt or injured, but the fire extensively damaged the house and destroyed everything inside. The Thabatheh family--Buthaina, Wadia, Moe, Rasha, Eman, Amal, and Yasmin--are devastated and could use help to rebuild their lives.

A little bit about the Thabatahs: Wadia Thabateh is the owner of the Albermarle Food Center, on the corner of McDonald Avenue and Albermarle Road. He and his wife Buthaina have raised five amazing kids who are bright lights in the community and beloved neighbors. Moe works with Wadia, Eman is a teacher at PS 130, Rasha is a paramedic for NYU Langone Hospital, Amal is a human rights lawyer, and Yasmin is getting her Master's degree in Speech Pathology at LIU.

We have been particularly close to Yasmin, who over the years has worked as our kids' babysitter and, more recently, as our daughter's after-school community companion. We cannot express how much she has done for our child. Yasmin's intelligence, patience, love, and positivity are remarkable, and she and Kali have become close friends. These qualities are present in all the Thabateh family members.

This wonderful family is going through a dreadful experience, so we hope you will donate to this Go Fund Me fundraiser, whether it's a small or large contribution. Our goal is to raise at least $100,000. Thank you SO MUCH for your generosity, the family is very grateful!