Help Hilal to get the support he needs

O free world, I now address you with a sincere request for support for my story, which you may feel is a figment of the imagination.

My name is Hilal Issa Sweidan, born in 1989, married with three children. On November 12, 2023, I witnessed an attempt to deliberately kill me. I was displaced at Al-Rimal School with my family and children. I used to go every day to check on my house in the Shujaiya neighborhood. One day, I went to my sister’s house to reassure her that her house was safe and sound and had not been destroyed. At that moment, I heard very violent shelling. I think it was fire belts. I went out to see what was happening. I found myself lying on the ground and unconscious. My friend told me that I stayed in intensive care for three days at the Indonesian hospital. From here, when I regained consciousness, I found myself with my right hand amputated and my eye missing. One of the doctors told me, unable to do anything, that there was no point in restoring your sight. I thought that this was all a dream, but my psyche was destroyed when I confirmed that it was real and not a dream. Suddenly, the two warring parties agreed to a humanitarian truce and a prisoner exchange. From here, a medical delegation evacuated me from the north to the south to the European Hospital in the city of Rafah. The medical delegation performed more than four operations in the head area until they reached this result. During this period, I became more convinced and could deal with people somewhat. I spoke to my family in northern Gaza and told them to move to southern Gaza to the European Hospital. It took a few days and they started moving to southern Gaza. At one point, my wife was injured in her foot and my son was injured in his neck. My wife's brother was killed in a random bombing. It was a huge shock to me and I could no longer bear anything.

Hilal is an intelligent man who is loved by his family and his neighborhood, but his condition made him unable to deal with others. Hilal used to work as a construction worker and supported his family from this work. Now he is unable to do the simplest things. Hilal needs a prosthetic limb for his right hand and cosmetic surgeries for his eye and skull to give him a chance at a normal life, but these basic medical devices are beyond our family's financial capacity.

How your contribution can make a difference -

Hilal's journey to recovery requires immediate action, and your support can make a life-changing impact. Due to the closure of the crossings, it is difficult for Hilal to leave Gaza at this present time. Right now the fundraiser will be used to create a savings pot for Hilal to use once the situation allows his evacuation. This money will be used for:

- Transportation: from Gaza to Cairo via the Rafah crossing

- Specialized medical care: access to a prosthetic limb, plastic surgery and basic treatment

- Essential living expenses: supporting Hilal and his family in Gaza, especially in emergency situations, with food, water and shelter

- Emergency evacuation: ensuring Hilal gets the urgent care he needs

- Shelter and travel costs: to provide a safe environment for Hilal’s recovery

How we will manage your generous donations -

All donations will be collected by our contact, Paul Barlow, who is based in London. These funds will be transferred via PayPal or Remitly.

Why your help is urgently needed -

Hilal’s case is not just a medical challenge; it is a battle for his dignity and his future. Your support will not only provide him with a prosthetic limb and plastic surgery, but will also restore hope and allow him to live a life free from pain and restrictions. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to giving Hilal the chance to be a head of a family again.

Thank you for taking the time to read Hilal’s story. We greatly appreciate any support you can provide.

Best regards.