Help a Refugee Family from Gaza Rebuild Their Lives in Egypt

Hello all,

My name is Arsalan Aga - I am a Pakistani-Dutchman currently working in the humanitarian & non-profit sector in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

I am writing this to you today to seek your support for a dear friend of mine, Rafat Farid Abu Reida, and his family who have been through unimaginable hardship. They are refugees from Gaza, having fled the ongoing genocide and devastation that has plagued their homeland.

I have personally known Rafat for over 3 years. We connected back in 2021, when I was searching for people on the ground in Gaza to donate to. I wanted to help the Palestinian people, but I didn't want to donate to some large organization only for my funds to never reach their intended recipient. I searched for an honest and altruistic soul, someone who stood up in the face of despair and decided to help the world - even when it gave them every reason not to do so. My search led me to Rafat, and we connected instantly. His passion for humanitarian work and alleviating the suffering of his people struck a chord with me. I could see that he was a genuinely empathetic and gentle soul, who simply wanted a better life for his people. And indeed he has done his best to provide that for them - as you will find out. I can attest to the nobility and integrity of his character.

Rafat, his wife Asma, and two children Aseel and Aseed, escaped the horrors of war a few months ago. They are now residing in Egypt, safe from immediate danger but facing new challenges as they strive to rebuild their lives in a foreign land.

Their Story:

The situation in Gaza forced Rafat and his family to make the heart-wrenching decision to leave behind everything they knew in search of safety and a chance for a better future. They left with little more than the clothes on their backs - carrying the weight of their past and the uncertainty of their future.

Before fleeing, Rafat was a beacon of hope in his community. He ran a charity called "Team Humanity Gaza," which provided food, money, and relief to the local population. He tirelessly worked to support others, distributing aid up until the very last moment before they had to leave. Remarkably, he continues to manage and support this charity from across the border, exemplifying his unwavering dedication to helping those in need. He is the very definition of selfless.

Now in Egypt, Rafat and his family are struggling to meet their basic needs. Finding stable employment has proven difficult, and the cost of living is overwhelming. They need funds for essentials like food, shelter, medical care, and education for their children. As refugees, they literally have nothing. Nothing.

Why Your Help Matters:

Your generous contribution will provide immediate relief to this family and help them:

How You Can Make A Difference:

Every donation, no matter the size, will make a significant impact on the lives of Rafat and his family. Together, we can help them move past this traumatic chapter and start anew with hope and dignity. The lives of refugees do not becomes easier after fleeing war, in fact that is only the beginning. First generation refugees live very difficult, lonely and arduous existences. I know this because my own grandparents were also refugees. It is not a fate I would wish on my worst enemy. But it is a fate that is a reality for Rafat, Asma, Aseel and Aseed.

Your support will not only aid Rafat and his family but also enable him to continue his vital work with Team Humanity, helping many more Palestinians in need. Rafat still collects donations for his charity, and they are active in the strip as we speak, distributing warm food to starving men, women and children alike. However, if Rafat is not given the support to provide for his family, that operation too will fall apart.

Please consider donating and sharing this fundraiser with your network. Your support means the world to this family, offering them a lifeline during their darkest times.

We are deeply grateful for any assistance you can provide. Thank you for your compassion and generosity.

With heartfelt thanks,

Arsalan Aga

P.S: If you have any questions about Rafat or the legitimacy of this fundraiser, I am readily available to answer any and all questions. I consider Rafat to be a brother, and he has never asked me for help in the 3+ years that I have known him, but now he is in truly dire straights. So this cause is very important to me. In these times of despair, we must do what we can to help our Palestinian brothers and sisters - I hope you will join me in that effort and make Rafat's life ever so slightly easier.

UPDATE 26th March: We have reached our initial goal of 5000 Euros after more than 7 months of this campaign - thanks to our very generous volunteers. Thank you all for contributing, you have made a real and meaningful difference in the life if Rafat and his family. I have increased the goal of this campaign effective immediately so we can keep this momentum going and provide more consistent relief to Rafat and his family. Much thanks to all.