Family of Reem Anbar in Occupied Gaza

Hello family and friends,

I'm organising a fundraiser quiz night, “Saoirse don Phalaistín”, on April 23rd, to raise money for Reem Anbar and her family, who are currently in Gaza.

I met Reem in Manchester, where I was honoured to support her in a concert. She is a prestigious Oud player, a talented artist, and a kind soul who has brought joy and beauty through her music. Her family has been living through devastating conditions due to the ongoing crisis.

All funds raised will go directly to Reem Anbar to help support her family with basic needs, medical expenses, and relocation efforts if possible. I am in direct contact with Reem and will be sending the funds to her via a secure transfer service.

My name is Séamus Cowan, musician based in Manchester

Supporting: Reem Anbar, musician currently in Gaza – a friend and former collaborator

*Update*: after Israeli tanks bombed the Anbar home in October, we continued to hold our hope that it could be rebuilt. But on 15 March, the entire six-storey block was flattened by occupation warplanes. Rasheed, Ansam and the three children had a lucky escape but remain in Gaza city, homeless and in the grips of famine. This campaign is now to provide their urgent daily needs, and to give the Anbar family a new home. Support and share widely.

--

Residing in al-Nasser, Gaza City, the Anbar family are well known as musicians, animal carers and activists for Palestine. Fares Anbar is a founding member of the internationally renowned Sol Band group, following his oud playing sister Reem into music, while Rasheed leads the Animal Friend project.

Rasheed Anbar and wife Ansam have lived in Gaza City throughout the crisis with their children, Mimi, Fufu and Zayn (ages 4-11). All were made homeless in November when Zionist tanks struck a home that Tata (grandma) Olfat had worked tirelessly to build. Finding temporary shelter in a nearby family residence, conditions are chronically cramped and there is scarce food or water to go round. Like many in Gaza, the children go days without eating. Aid supplies go nowhere near Gaza City.

While our ultimate aim is to rebuild the Anbar family home - a place of memories, music and joy for so many years - we are also aiming to raise as much money as possible to cover basic items like:

- Basic living supplies (food, water, fuel/gas) - Women’s health products

- Medical supplies

- Travel costs

- Living expenses

Our family are extremely grateful for your support. Any amount contributed will make a genuine difference to the safety, health, and survival of our family and their community in Palestine.

How funds will be delivered: Transferred securely and directly to Reem

Please donate whatever you can. Every bit helps.

Go raibh míle maith agat.

With love and solidarity,

Séamus xx