Help my friend and his family get out of Gaza

In 2014, during an enriching Erasmus+ program in Poland, I had the privilege of meeting Husam Totah. We were both students at the mechanical engineering department of Politechnika Wrocławska. Husam, in his first journey to Europe, shone as a brilliant mind, and I, eager to learn about his Palestinian heritage, found in him not just a friend but a brother. Our countless conversations about our cultures and viewpoints solidified a friendship that has endured through the years, keeping us connected across distances and life events.

Today, Husam's story takes a dire turn, as he and his family face immense hardship amidst the turmoil in Gaza. It's a story of loss, resilience, and an urgent plea for help—a narrative that Husam shares with a heavy heart:

Husam's Story:

"My name is Husam Totah. I am a Palestinian, currently residing in Gaza City. My journey has taken me from pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia, to standing on the precipice of losing everything dear to me.

In late October, the conflict escalated to our doorstep, obliterating my neighborhood and reducing our lives to rubble. My family and I were displaced, seeking refuge amidst the chaos, only to face further heartbreak—the destruction of our family home and the devastating loss of my youngest brother, sister, and 48 beloved family members.

Amidst this, I sustained a leg injury requiring urgent surgery in Saudi Arabia, a feat made possible by my student residence card. However, my heart remains torn, as I had to leave my wife, Aya, and our 20-month-old daughter, Basant, behind in the uncertainties of Gaza City.

Today, they live in a makeshift tent, battling the elements and scarcity, while I face the agonizing reality of our fragmented family. Despite the despair, my resolve to reunite with my wife and daughter, to offer them a semblance of safety and normalcy, remains unshaken."

Our Plea for Help:

In the face of insurmountable loss and ongoing danger, we are reaching out for your support to secure a future for Husam's family away from the perils of war. Our immediate goal is to fund the safe evacuation of Husam's wife and daughter to Egypt, where they can be reunited and start anew, away from the shadows of conflict.

Each family member requires $8,000 to cover the costs of evacuation, medical needs, and establishing a new home—a beacon of hope in their tumultuous journey.

How You Can Help:

• Donate: Every contribution, no matter the size, brings Husam's family one step closer to safety and reunification.

• Share: Spread the word about Husam's plight. Your voice can amplify their call for help, reaching hearts and hands willing to support.

• Stand in Solidarity: Your support extends beyond financial aid—it's a message of hope and solidarity