Hi, my name is Kelly Makropoulos, and I am fundraising on behalf of someone who means the world to me: my dear friend, Mohammed Alhelou. I am from Greece, currently living in Germany and organising from here.

Mohammed Alhelou's Instagram

The Rafah Crossing is about to open, and with the brief window of ceasefire, Mohammed desperately needs to bring his family of nine out of Gaza — where their lives have been shattered by endless violence and suffering. And time is running out.

In 2024, after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer, Mohammed was evacuated from Gaza for life-saving treatment. Against all odds, he survived. His surgery was a success, but even after overcoming the pain of cancer and horrors of the genocide, Mohammed's heart remains with his family — in a place he calls home, and a place of unimaginable loss and fear.

Mohammed Alhelou is one of the most incredible people I’ve had the honour to call a friend. And he is one of the most kind and selfless human beings I’ve ever known. Despite all that he has endured, he continues to be a light for others, and his strength and resilience is something I’m always in awe of. As a journalist and photographer, he has spent the last two years documenting the horrific violence and oppression that Gaza's people endure daily. At just 24 years old, Mohammed’s work has changed the world, capturing the raw, unflinching truth of what he witnessed in Gaza. His story is one of courage and resilience — a story that will live on forever.

But right now, Mohammed’s story is also one of desperation. He is someone who is incredibly proud, and would not create a GoFundMe unless it was a matter of life and death. And this is exactly the case. This is life or death. He desperately needs to evacuate his family — his mother, father, siblings, and nephews — so that he can finally hold them in his arms, free from the terror they face each day.

Anything you can give will be a lifeline for Mohammed's family. Your donation will directly support their evacuation and the basic needs they'll have once they’re safe in Egypt. We are raising funds for each member of his family’s escape, so that they can be free from the unimaginable nightmare they are living through.

Part of the donations will be transferred directly from my bank account to Mohammed’s Revolut account, and the remaining part will be withdrawn from my account in cash and given to him in person. Mohammed will use all of your generous contributions to secure evacuation services and cover essential needs for his family.

Please, if you can find it in your heart to help, you will be making an incredible difference in the lives of people who have suffered far too much already. Mohammed’s dream is simply to be with his family again, and your support can help make that dream a reality.

Mohammed's beautiful family include:

Words from Mohammed:

My name is Mohammed, and I am a journalist from Gaza.

I am creating this fundraiser to help evacuate my family of nine from the ongoing genocide in Gaza and bring them to safety.

For months, my family has been trapped under relentless bombardment, displacement, and hunger. Our home was destroyed, and we’ve been forced to move from one unsafe place to another, simply trying to survive.

Every day is a struggle — for food, clean water, and safety.

I’ve watched my younger brothers and sisters lose their childhood to fear and exhaustion. My only wish now is to get them out — to a place where they can finally sleep without the sound of bombs.

The total cost to evacuate nine family members through the Rafah border is extremely high.

Between coordination fees, travel costs, and temporary housing, it could reach $5,000–$7,000 per person.

All funds raised will go directly toward:

• Coordination and travel fees for evacuation

• Temporary housing and medical needs

• Transportation and basic survival expenses until we find safety

In addition to the dangers of genocide, my family is at serious risk because of the legal cases I filed against Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICC), as I have been documenting war crimes against civilians in Gaza. I have been working with the Hind Rajab Foundation in order to have justice for my people, and because of this work, my brother was killed. Our situation has become even more dangerous and unbearable.

Every contribution — no matter how small — can make a real difference.

Please share this campaign widely. Each share brings us one step closer to safety.

Thank you for reading, caring, and standing with us in this dark time.

With gratitude,

Mohammed

My Instagram