**UPDATE: We are no longer accepting donations on GFM. Please contact Libby or Mahmoud through GFM or via our social media if you would like to continue following Mahmoud's story and supporting him. Thank you to everyone who has been standing with us through this journey.

Hi there, my name is Elisabeth Kusiak (I also go by ‘Libby’), and I am a gynecologist in New York, USA. I’m launching this fundraiser on behalf of my friend Mahmoud El-Haddad, a 27-year-old from Gaza whose life has been turned upside down by war, displacement, and deep personal loss.

I know Mahmoud through my mentorship with his little sister, who aspires to become a medical doctor. When his sister realized Mahmoud’s health was declining, she asked me to help Mahmoud recover and rebuild his life.

During the war in Gaza, Mahmoud was unjustly imprisoned for a year by Israeli forces; he was a civilian kidnapped from a hospital, and held against his will without charges. Mahmoud was completely stripped of basic human rights. He faced inhumane conditions; he was not given appropriate clothing for the environment, he was handcuffed and blindfolded the majority of the time, and he was not permitted to move, speak, or pray. He was neglected, physically abused and tortured.

Before the war, Mahmoud was a top student and an active member of his community. He has an admirable and contagious work ethic, an enduring commitment to his faith, and a witty, silly sense of humor. He is patient and kind, leading a life of integrity that has a lasting impact on people around him. I personally know all of this to be true, because I have the honor of calling Mahmoud my friend.

During the year of false imprisonment, Mahmoud was also denied food, and suffered severe malnutrition. When he was finally released in February 2025, he had lost over 30 kg, or about 70 lbs of his body weight. Mahmoud’s health has since deteriorated, and now he requires urgent medical care.

After everything he has been through, Mahmoud now fights a different kind of battle: one for survival, dignity, and a chance to heal. He’s not asking for luxuries, just for help to access basic medical care, find safety, and support his family in the face of ongoing humanitarian collapse. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings Mahmoud closer to healing, hope, and safety. Please donate and share to save my friend’s life. Thank you.

Libby Kusiak from New York, USA is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of her friend Mahmoud El-Haddad from Gaza. All funds are withdrawn by Libby and sent in full to Mahmoud. He uses your donations toward necessary medical care, to provide basic necessities for himself, and to help his family survive this situation.