My Name is Tamara Asad Barnette and I am fundraising for my extended family

A nightmare that hasn’t ended yet! This is how I would describe my life currently in Gaza.

I am Malak Inshasi. I got engaged on September 25th and I was having a fun-filled life with my fiancé and have already started planning for our big day. When the war started on October 7th, my whole life was ruined and started the journey of displacement from one place to another seeking safety. I have been displaced 6 times with only two outfits which I have saved from the ruins of my house that was bombed by an airstrike.

Now, there’s a beacon of hope. The Canadian government has launched a special measurement program which allows Canadian citizens with extended family members in Gaza to apply for a temporary visa. I do qualify for this program as I have a Canadian citizen sister. I have filed the visa applications for myself and my fiancé’ and received our biometric letters. Since there isn’t any biometric center here in Gaza, the biometrics need to be done in Egypt.

In order to exit Gaza Strip via Rafah border, each person is charged $5,000. I and my fiancé have been able to cover this amount of money and are scheduled to leave the Strip in a matter of few days. The funds raised will go towards covering the cost of our relocation, accommodation, buying new clothes and initial living expenses in Egypt until our visas to Canada are issued.

Every single donation makes a difference. If you are not able to donate, please share my fundraiser with family, friends and social networks. Thank you so much for your generous donation and concern.