Hi everyone! My name is Chris, and I am organizing this campaign from the US on behalf of my friend, Abdelaziz Al-Balbisi, to help him escape Gaza and continue his undergraduate education in Ireland.

Before the terrible conflict in Gaza, Abdelaziz had a bright future studying cybersecurity, volunteering with the Reach Scholarship Education Fund, playing wheelchair basketball on the Gaza professional team, and, quite impressively, running his own tour company which taught Gazans about the beautiful heritage of their country. Unfortunately, due to the war, Aziz’s university closed when he was in his 3rd year of college, and the buildings he gave tours of were destroyed. He also lost his car, house, and all of his belongings. In addition, Aziz has a disability that limits use of his legs, which makes the situation even more dire for him.

Amidst this destruction, Ireland has become a beacon of hope, as it has helped evacuate over 250 students so far, including 52 at the end of August 2025. As someone who studied in Ireland myself, I have been helping Aziz with the school selection and visa process, and he has been offered a place in a 6-month English language program that will allow him to restart his cybersecurity degree next fall. It is an excellent program offered by one of the top universities in Ireland, and they even have a special resource officer to help refugees, so I think it will offer him all the support he needs to succeed.

Now all he needs to get the visa is to raise the money to pay for the first part of his program, plus the visa fee and the cost medical insurance. After he shows proof of payment to the school and proof of travel medical insurance, he can apply for a visa and then be put on one of the next evacuation lists. I have been in touch with the Irish Embassy in Tel Aviv for over a month, and they have been very hopeful and encouraging.

The funds we need to pay immediately in order to secure the visa are $6552: (Currency conversion as of September 6, 2025)

- 6-month language program: 4,890 euros / $5732

- Medical insurance: 600 euros / $703

- Visa: 100 euros / $117

Aziz and I have arranged to pay the school directly for the program, as well as the travel insurance company, to avoid fees and issues with transferring the money to him in Gaza.

In addition, once he arrives in Ireland he will need to pay for:

- Homestay accommodation arranged by the school (includes 2 meals per day): 1,160 euros per month x 6 months = ~$8165

- A laptop: ~$600

- Money for new clothes and assorted living expenses for 6 months: ~$2400

On top of this we have to pay 5% to GoFundMe, so the total amount we are hoping to raise is $18,602. If you able to contribute any amount, Aziz and I would be eternally grateful.

Every day is a struggle to survive in Gaza, and this is his only opportunity to escape the horrors, as the borders are closed. The only way out is with a Red Cross escort arranged by a consulate, and Ireland is one of the only countries working with students to arrange these. We are so thankful that this opportunity even exists, and that it is within reach. We would be so grateful if you would share this fundraiser with anyone who can help us reach the goal as quickly as possible.

Many Thanks,

Chris Larkin