My name is Rio, I am located in Portland and I am helping to fundraise for my friend Hassan, who is trying to make it out of Gaza to continue his education in Egypt. All money raised will be transferred to Hassan via Paypal. This is his message.

Hello, my name is Hassan, I am 19 years old, and I am an engineering student. Shortly before the war began, I enrolled at Al-Aqsa University in Gaza, but the war destroyed my university, and my dreams were put on hold.

I worked hard to obtain a scholarship in Egypt at Zagazig University and received a partial scholarship, but the difficult circumstances prevented me from paying the tuition and continuing my studies.

Now, I am eagerly waiting for the border crossings to open so I can leave Gaza. I am seeking your support to cover travel costs and university fees, to continue my engineering studies, and to survive amid the high cost of living and daily struggles.

Every contribution — no matter how small — brings me one step closer to my dream. Your support could be the difference between giving up or achieving my goal. Thank you for standing by me.