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Two years ago, a woman named Manar Mohammed reached out to me on social media, asking for any help I was able to provide. We soon became friends -- sisters, even -- so I am organizing this fundraiser to help her protect her six children during the ongoing genocide. Before October 2023, Manar lived with her children and husband in a comfortable home in Khanyounis, Gaza Strip. After continuous bombing, the family was forced to leave their home and live in a small, unsanitary tent. Since then, they have been displaced 30 more times. These are her words: " At night, when the Israeli army invaded Khanyounis, I remaind steadfast in my home. I did not want to leave. But the heavy bombings at night and my kids screaming forced me to flee with my husband and the rest of the family to Rafah. And in this displacement, Israel arrested my brothers in law, mohamad and Ahmed We still do not know where they are. Then, I went to my father’s house. But the bombardment did not stop. So, my father, mother, sisters, brothers and me with my kids and husband escaped to another place. Later, I kept running from one place to another. I am tired."
Not only do Manar and her husband struggle to provide safe shelter for their children, they also need to buy food and water. Being without jobs, they have no source of income to do so. We are their only hope for survival. Our donations are the only way they have been able to feed their children every day.
In order to get this money, Manar relies on the attention of people scrolling on TikTok and Instagram. Engagement has been getting lower and lower. Her accounts have been banned multiple times on both platforms. And on top of that, she rarely has internet access to post or message her loved ones. Her and her family are cut off from the world, left in what seems like hopeless darkness.
Every time I do manage to get in contact with Manar, she tells me that she never sleeps. Her children cry and scream. They live in constant fear, knowing each day might be their last. Watching their loved ones suffer from illness and hunger, not having access to the medical care that will save them. Feeling helpless. And more than anything, feeling tired.
With enough money, this family will finally be able to escape the continuous bombardment from Israeli forces. As we wait for the border to reopen, now is our time to raise that money so Manar and her children will be ready to cross into safer territory as soon as they are allowed.
This is Manar's message to the world:
"Despite my feeling of shame, I had to write this letter. After great confusion and hesitation I am writing to share our family’s story from Gaza. Following recent bombings, our house -- which was home to eight individuals: a father, a mother, and 6 kids -- has been completely destroyed. Currently, we are living in Almawasi, residing in a tent without access to basic necessities such as food and water. We are seeking assistance for our family in Gaza. The government has requested US$5000 per person to facilitate our exit through the crossing. While this is a substantial amount, any contribution, regardless of size, would be greatly appreciated. Your generosity and prayers mean a great deal to us during this difficult period. Thank you for keeping all those affected by the conflict in your thoughts.
With love, Manar"
Organizer
