Hi, my name is Sarah Louise. I'm from the UK and have been supporting another family from Gaza, the Madhis, for some time now. Recently Mo Madhi (21), who is still in Gaza, asked me to help him set up a fundraiser for his close friend, Faris Abu Musameh, and his famly. These two families are neighbours, and the boys went to school together and have known each other since they were small.

Mo & Faris before the "war".

I was moved at how there is still so much love and care between Gazans, despite the extreme food scarcity and pressures that would drive most people to only care for themselves. As events in Gaza have unfolded.

Background on Faris

Faris is 21 years old and graduated from high school with honours, scoring 97% in the science stream. He was enrolled at Al-Azhar University in Gaza, and was due to have graduated with a degree in Engineering and Information technology by now. His friends describe him as "full of life and positive energy. He dreamed of becoming an engineer with value to society."

Faris before and after the start of the "war".

Faris lives with 7 other family members. His 3 younger brothers are Mohammed (17) (unrelated to Mo Madhi), Mahmoud (8) and Ahmed (5). Their parents are Fadwa & Yasser Abu Musameh, who both acquired disabilities after a polio infection many years ago. His sister-in-law Aya and her son Essam (6) also now live with them after being displaced from Northern Gaza. Sadly, Aya's husband has been missing since the start of the "war", and Faris' family have sheltered them ever since.

Mohammed Abu Musameh had a keen interest in sports, fitness and body building. Sadly, he has lost over 20kg of weight in recent months due to severe malnutrition. He should have finished high school and started university life by now (rear centre).

Fadwa and Yasser’s disabilities exacerbate their struggle to live in a war zone. Walking is difficult for them.

This is Aya Abu Musameh, Essam’s mother, who is now a single parent:

The situation in Gaza

Conditions in Gaza are dire after over 600 days of relentless bombing, siege and months of extreme hunger. The lives of Faris' family members have been reduced to a daily fight for survival. There is no medicine, no clean water and almost no food. They are mentally and physically exhausted, living in constant fear and uncertainty.

Fundraising Aims

This fundraiser has been created to provide as much relief as possible for Faris' family during these desperate times. The money will be used for food and medical care, as well as any necessary interventions to keep them safe within Gaza. Once the families' basic needs are covered, remaining funds will be devoted to Faris' university education so that he can fulfil his dream of becoming an engineer.

Mahmoud, Ahmed and Essam Abu Musameh want to be able to go to school again and play safely with their friends:

This is the neighbourhood where they live in Gaza. Faris says "by God's grace, our house sustained minor damage but it is still standing. I hope it stays that way."

Photos: Southern Gaza, where Faris' family live.

Any support you can offer this beautiful family would be greatly appreciated. Go Fund Me does not allow money to be directly withdrawn in Palestine, so I, Daniel, will withdraw the money to my account in the USA and transfer the funds to Mo Madhi's father's Western Union account in Egypt where he has taken refuge. From there, Mo's father will transfer it to Faris. All donations are protected and fully refundable for up to a year via GFM.

This collaboration represents the kind of strength, solidarity and love between people that makes me proud to be human in these dark times. It's a privilege to be a part of this life-saving effort, and I am grateful to everyone who has decided to rally with us on this journey to give Faris' family a hope and a future.

Here is a quote from Faris' family:

"We dream of a day where we can sleep without the sound of bombs, and where our parents can receive the care they need to live with dignity. We are not asking for much- just the basic right to live. Please help us. Donate, share, and keep us in your prayers. Every dollar can help us breath again."

Sincerely,

Daniel Beckman & Sarah Louise