I'm reaching out on behalf of Aneen Al-Kalb, a 27-year-old gay Palestinian man and his elderly parents who are struggling to survive in southern Gaza.

Due to safety concerns, he uses a pseudonym (Aneen Al-Kalb means “the groaning heart”), but his story—and his desperate need—is very real.

Their Situation

After being forcibly displaced 22 times since the war began, this family now lives in a makeshift tent in southern Gaza with no protection from the elements. They've lost their closest family members, witnessed unimaginable violence, and endured months of hunger, thirst, and terror.

Now, as autumn deepens and winter approaches, they face a new deadly threat: the cold.

Their current shelter cannot withstand the winter weather. Without proper tents, warm clothing, blankets, and basic supplies, they may not survive the coming months.

What They Need

The cost of shelter in Gaza is high, and without our help, they cannot afford it.

Proper winterized tent: $1,200-1,500

Warm blankets and clothing: $400

Medical supplies: $900

Food and clean water: $1000

Emergency buffer: $300

Total Goal: $4,000

About Aneen

Aneen is an incredible writer, whose descriptions of life as a displaced person in Gaza has reached thousands of Israelis. Aneen has been through unimaginable pain - suffering hunger and displacement, he had his uncle die in his arms, and managed to save his sister’s life after she was shot.

He writes: "We're not war refugees; we're victims of forced displacement, a deliberate act to erase our existence from our land. Now, as we sit here in the south, the fear of what comes next is a cold and constant companion."

Aneen’s fear is real, and can be mitigated. They need help before winter arrives.

How Funds Will Be Used

Every dollar will go directly toward:

Purchasing a proper tent that can withstand winter weather

Warm blankets, sleeping mats, and clothing

Food and clean drinking water

Emergency needs as they arise

Fundraising platforms only trust western banks. I will receive the money sent be donors, and will safely transfer it to Aneen through established channels.

A Plea for Dignity

This family isn't asking for luxury. They're asking for the basics: warmth, shelter, food, and dignity. They're asking for a chance to survive winter.

Please help them make it through the cold months ahead. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings them closer to safety.

Thank you for your compassion and generosity.

About me

I’m a Tel Aviv based writer and filmmaker. After meeting Aneen online, I helped him publish his memoir from the ongoing genocide in Gaza in the Israeli publication mekomit.co.il. I have had video conversations with Aneen, and have seen the conditions of his and his family’s life.