Emergency Fund for Two Men of Peace and Their Families Trapped in Gaza

This project is initiated by three Israeli women - artist and peace activist Noa (Achinoam Nini), Talya Lewin Russell and Naomi Lewin - who have been working tirelessly to support Ahmed and Imad and their families over the past six months.

The project is also supported by our close circle of family and friends.

We urgently call on the international peace community to stand with us - to bring hope, life, and dignity to these two men of peace and their families.

Although there is currently a ceasefire, the suffering has not ended, and their lives remain in danger because of their courageous voices for peace. They also face the coming winter with almost nothing - their homes and livelihoods destroyed.

They are men of peace, whose voices are rare, courageous, and deeply precious in one of the most difficult places on earth.

Ahmed’s Story

Ahmed is a peace activist - a clear, courageous voice who has always spoken for humanity, coexistence, and dignity, even when doing so put his life in danger.

His family of fifteen spans four generations: his elderly mother, his wife, nine children, a son-in-law, and two small grandchildren. Their home was destroyed. They have been displaced nine times and now live in two tents. They urgently need an additional tent, warm clothing, food, and basic supplies.

Ahmed’s life is at risk because of his outspoken stand for peace. His courage has made him a target - now more than ever - as extremists may seek revenge in the aftermath of the ceasefire.

Yet even in these circumstances, he continues to speak for peace with a strength that touches everyone who hears him.

Ahmed holds a Master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies and has a deep understanding of Gaza, the region, and the wider world. His words are wise and clear. His vision is of a future built on shared humanity and lasting peace.

Ahmed is a seed of peace - a voice the world cannot afford to lose. His mission is to build bridges between people and dedicate his life to real, lasting peace.

The World Health Organization has listed him for evacuation due to his medical condition.

Two European hospitals have formally invited him for treatment, and the International Peace Bureau has invited him to speak as a voice for peace.

He has applied for humanitarian visas in Belgium and appealed for help from Portugal, Luxembourg, and other countries — yet no country has answered his call.

Ahmed must live. His voice matters.

His survival carries hope — for his family, for his people, and for all of us who still believe that peace is possible.

Imad’s Story

Imad is a man peace and devoted father of five - their youngest child is almost five years old. Throughout his life, Imad has stood for peace, justice and coexistence.

He studied Business Administration in Bethlehem and began working in 1996 with the Palestinian–Israeli Coordination and Liaison Committee, an institution created under the Oslo Accords to manage civil and security matters between the two sides.

In 2007, after the Hamas takeover of Gaza, Imad made a principled decision to leave his post, refusing to be affiliated with violence.

Since then, he returned to his roots: farming.

For 18 years, he cultivated olives, grapes, and pomegranates, producing olive oil using traditional methods passed down for generations.

In November 2023, Imad’s home, land, and animals were all destroyed - including his cherished Arab horse.

His land now lies inside the 1,500-meter military zone near the border, under army control.

He tried to visit it recently, but there is now an army base nearby, and nothing remains of his home - as if it never existed.

His family has been displaced 7 times and now lives in two tents without running water, proper sanitation, lacking every basic necessity.

We have been trying to help him obtain a humanitarian visa for Ireland and Portugal, contacting diplomats and people in positions of influence, but it hasn’t been possible. There is no way for him to apply while still in Gaza, as there are no embassies and no one can apply on his behalf.

Hope for Resettlement in Canada

Imad’s brother, Osama, is a Permanent Resident of Canada and has been trying to bring the family to safety through Canada’s Temporary Public Policy for Palestinians in Gaza. Unfortunately, their case has not moved forward.

We’ve recently hired Hana Marku, privately funded, to represent Imad and his family. Hana is an immigration lawyer in Canada who represents around 60 Palestinian families still waiting for their family reunification visas. Having Hana on our side gives us real hope that something will finally start moving with their file and, hopefully, that they will receive their visas to Canada.

Why This Fundraiser Matters

This campaign is about helping two families, who are still standing for peace and humanity, alive through the coming winter and the hardship of living in Gaza, a place that has been destroyed down to rubble. We are still working tirelessly to help them get out, as they desperately want to leave.

Your donation will go toward:

• Shelter

• Warm clothing and blankets

• Food and clean water

• Medicine and essentials

Every euro raised here will be transferred directly to these families.

Supporting Ahmed and Imad means protecting not only two families but also two brave voices of peace in Gaza.

How You Can Help

• Donate whatever you can - even small amounts make a big difference.

• Share this campaign with friends, family, and your networks.

• Keep these families in your hearts and prayers.

To save one family is to save an entire world.

Together, we can help keep hope alive for two families who have never given up on peace.

With deep gratitude and hope,

Thank you ❤️