Gaza's Musical Hope: Help Hamada survive

I first met Hamada Nasrallah 10 years ago, at a music center in Gaza. As he showed me around Gaza City, I could immediately see that Hamada has a good heart, a unique spirit, and above all...an incredible voice.

Today, thanks to the internet, Hamada's band (Sol Band Gaza) is famous across the Arab world. Last summer, Hamada helped me organize an online fundraiser concert from Gaza, for Gaza, titled "Gaza to the World". Not only did he help us show the world a beautiful face of Gaza the world hadn't seen, he also helped us raise tens of thousands of dollars for Palestinian refugees, through his voice and hard work.

Now, as Israeli airstrikes rain all over a besieged Gaza, we are having to watch Hamada's dreams - indeed his very survival - come into question.

In the midst of Gaza's nightmares, the bombing, the deliberate starvation, the sense that the world refuses to do anything, Hamada now reaches out to us to help him survive - and, he tragically hopes - to escape the home he has always known.

The Situation:

Gaza is grappling with a genocide the likes of which Palestinians have never seen. They have experienced the loss of loved ones, the destruction of homes, and the upheaval of an entire nation. Every day is a struggle for survival, with the upcoming period poised to be even more challenging—an internal war for survival.

The Plea:

Hamada's livelihood depends on the music and art he provides, yet this very source of income is under threat, leaving him in dire need of support. Your contribution is the lifeline that can help them rebuild his life, fulfill his basic needs, and take crucial steps towards a brighter future.

How You Can Make a Difference:

Your generous financial support is pivotal to providing Hamada with the means to eat, live, support his family, and secure temporary shelter. But most of all, Hamada needs to escape. As he navigates the difficult journey to Egypt, considerable expenses are incurred. Your assistance will enable Hamada to find a safe haven and rebuild his life.

Why Your Support Matters:

In the face of adversity, Hamada finds solace in your support. Your contribution not only aids his immediate survival, but also fuels his dreams of returning to the stage and rebuilding what has been lost.

When I finally made this page at Hamada's request, he admitted he felt hesitant to share it; "I feel a little embarrassed...How can I present this to the people?"

I replied to him with a reminder: "Hamada, every artist in the world counts on their fans for support...even those who aren't fleeing a genocide."

Even after everything has been robbed from them, the resilience and pride of Palestinians in Gaza is unmatched. Let us come together as a global community to support Hamada in that resilience. You are not only supporting a Palestinian artist, but a kind soul and a good friend. Pleae, don't turn your back on the people of Gaza.

In deep gratitude,

Nahed Elrayes