Help Asma Recover & Reunite with Her Husband

The Palestinian photojournalist Hani Aburezeq (@hani.aburezeq on instagram) recently reported on the story of a woman from Nuseirat camp in the Gaza strip. Her name is Asma Al-Durra. Israel bombed her house, killing eleven of her family members and relatives. "I wish you'd give me my eye (back)," said Asma during the interview with Aburezeq, with gauze still sticking out of her open wound.

Asma lost her left eye and experienced severe physical and psychological trauma resulting from the attack. She is still alive but is in a very precarious situation that could worsen. Medical services in Gaza have been decimated, and she is at risk of losing sight in her right eye as well if we do not act immediately.

Her story affected me deeply, and on a personal level. I launched this fundraiser as a first step. The next step is to work to secure a medical services provider. *Update: Asma was seen by doctors at the European Hospital in Khan Yunis and departed Gaza on January 22 to receive further treatment in Qatar! Her husband, Mahdi, was not allowed to join her. Please reach out if you have ideas on how we can get him to join Asma as she recovers in Qatar.*

All funds donated will be delivered to Asma's family to cover her medical costs and other costs associated with her recovery. I will publish regular updates about this as the fundraiser approaches its goal. The target amount may be changed if new information emerges about the exact costs of treatment.

More importantly, if you are able to help in getting Asma and her family out of the Gaza Strip, please contact me or reach out to her family directly!

Asma's family listed this phone number as their primary contact: +972-5983-89387

FAQs:

1. Who is managing this fundraiser?

My name is Mohammad Abu Hawash. I live in the United States and I am a young Jordanian-Palestinian. You can contact me via the "Contact" button under the "Organizer" section of this fundraiser page (scroll down to find it). You can also find my LinkedIn account here to learn more about my credentials and background.

I previously fundraised over $1000 for the Institute of Palestine Studies (using Facebook's fundraising platform), and $7,200 to fund my graduate school education and visa costs during the pandemic (using a now-defunct account on GoFundMe).

2. What is the source of your information about Asma's health situation?

I have been in contact with Asma's husband and the journalist who shared her story, Hani Abu Rezeq.

You can watch the reel via this link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2PR8QWt8Rn/?igsh=Nnd5enFjbjYwOTdo

3. How will you deliver the funds to Asma's Family?

The funds will first be transferred from GoFundMe's financial management tool, Stripe, to an intermediary bank account in the United States. From there, the funds will be transferred to Asma's brother-in-law, who lives in the UAE. He will deliver your funds to Asma via the family network.

4. Why are the funds going through an intermediary?

GoFundMe does not transfer funds directly to Gaza or Qatar. So, I need to transfer the funds to an intermediary account .

5. How can I help in getting Asma and her family out of Gaza?

Reach out to your network! You might know doctors, NGO workers, or government officials who could access channels that could press for her permit to exit and receive medical treatment. This fundraiser is only part of the solution. You are the other part.

6. What organizations can help Asma and her family?

Examples of organizations that can help Asma include UNRWA, Palestine Children's Relief Foundation, International Committee for the Red Cross, and the International Rescue Committee. Also, governments and diplomatic missions can offer support.