Chef Ahmad and his family Exit Aid & Medical Care

My name is Sarah Murray and I'm from Ireland. I am fundraising for my dear friend and amazing chef, Ahmad Al Shaer and his family. Chef Ahmad, despite his knee injury and extreme pain, has used his culinary skills to cook meals for people who were forced to leave their homes and relocate to Ahmad’s neighbourhood.

Now it is time for us to help Ahmad.

Chef Ahmad is a culinary artist with a remarkable journey of resilience and compassion. Ahmad's life took a drastic turn when the devastation in Gaza cost him his job. Despite facing personal challenges, he emerged as a beacon of hope for his community.

Ahmad, who is only 24 years old, already grappling with an old knee injury, saw his condition deteriorate rapidly. The escalating crisis disrupted his ongoing treatment, leaving him in excruciating pain. Originally diagnosed with inflammation under the knee, Ahmad required six months of intensive physiotherapy, muscle relaxers, and electroshock treatment. Unfortunately, the conflict further hindered his access to medication and physical therapy, pushing him to consider the possibility of surgery and, if left untreated, a potential knee replacement.

Undeterred by personal hardships, Ahmad found solace and purpose in his culinary skills. When northern Gaza residents were evacuated to Rafah City, Ahmad took charge. With the support of his Instagram followers , Ahmad cooked and provided meals for up to 75 families for two months. Refusing to label them as displaced, he referred to them as guests, embodying resilience and solidarity.

Now, Ahmad faces the challenge of obtaining the necessary funds to help support him and his family. We are fundraising to help cover the expense of: evacuating Gaza in order to travel to Egypt, rehabilitation and treatment costs for Ahmad's knee injury, potential surgery, and living expenses in Egypt for Ahmad and his family. Once rehabilitated, and peace is restored in Gaza, Ahmad hopes to return to finish his culinary degree and continue his culinary work, using any remaining funds to directly benefit the local community.

Ahmad's commitment extends beyond personal struggles; he understands the profound impact of hunger in Gaza. Famine has become a harsh reality, forcing people to accept any available food, leading to health issues. Ahmad, drawing from his diverse work experience, aims to contribute to alleviating this crisis. Despite losing job prospects, he is determined to channel his passion for cooking into providing high-quality food to those in need.

Now, he seeks additional donors to amplify his impact, recognizing that even a small contribution can make a significant difference in Gaza's challenging circumstances.

Chef Ahmad's story is one of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of compassion. As he navigates his own path to recovery, he remains dedicated to uplifting others in Gaza, emphasizing that every act of kindness, no matter how small, holds immeasurable value for the community he serves.