This fundraiser has been set up to assist in Mohammed’s immediate evacuation from Gaza to Cairo, Egypt. With a ceasefire agreement including a reopening of the Rafah crossing, Mohammed is hoping to travel as soon as possible to build a new life. He has many family members to support so being able to evacuate quickly is really important. Funds will go towards traveling through the Rafah crossing, renting an apartment for his family, health checks, and living expenses in Egypt.

Please donate if you can! Sharing with some information about Mohammed really helps connect him with people who can help like you. Getting support helps their family feel more optimistic about their future. Thank you in advance for your generosity! Together we can help them rebuild their lives.

--------------------------------------------------

Quick facts about Mohammed:

Mohammed Al-Owaini, a 23 year old from Gaza, recently helped at a kids camp. He was helping teach the kids dabke. He adores his 3-year old nephew Sanad and that little boy brings them so much joy during these dark times. Mohammed retrieved water everyday for his family, carrying it for miles back to their partially-demolished home in Khan Yunis.

Their home is open to the elements due to the damage from the military. Rats have found their way into the home. Even more family members moved in with them after they were forcibly-displaced from Hamad Town during recent incursions. They are all having trouble sleeping due to constant fear of being targeted & trauma from what they have already endured in the past 15 months.

Mohammed is doing the best he can. He and his family really need our help.

It’s been over a year of rapid displacement, death of loved ones, health issues like Hepatitis A, starvation, dehydration, trauma, and fear. Mohammed and his family are hoping to begin a normal life after waiting so long for a ceasefire. Financial support is critical to buy food, medicine, and other necessities in order to simply survive this period of time. While many institutions around the world have abandoned Palestinians, donation pages like this one have provided them a lifeline.

--------------------------------------------------

More information about Mohammed’s journey of survival in Gaza:

Mohammed lost his best friend and cousin, Tariq. He has visited Tariq’s family as often as he can, but traveling is not safe. He was able to help bury Tariq and decorate his burial site to remember him. The damage done to Tariq’s family home is severe. There is graffiti left behind by the army on top of the structural damage done to the home. Mohammed often shares memories of Tariq on social media. He really misses him.

Displacement: “Our home in Gaza suffered damage from shells and rockets, rendering it uninhabitable for the past six months. When occupation forces launched a ground invasion of Khan Younis, we were compelled to evacuate my grandfather's house and flee once again with nothing but the clothes on our backs; we left all our possessions behind. We found refuge in tents for displaced people near the sea, lacking heating supplies, winter clothes, heavy blankets, or mattresses. The weather turned extremely cold, our tents were inundated with rainwater, the ground became flooded, and the winds tore through our shelter.” Mohammed and his family returned to the damaged home in Khan Yunis to escape the heat of the tents. They have done what they can to clear the rubble, adapt without much electricity, and set up a bathroom. This area is still under bombardment and is not safe. Nowhere in Gaza is safe.

Winter has arrived in the Gaza Strip. Mohammed and his family have lost a lot of weight and are each struggling with health issues. This winter will be more difficult than the last. They are doing what they can to stay warm. Additional supplies will be needed and their financial situation and no access to any aid is causing them to worry even more.

--------------------------------------------------

Hi - I'm Clodagh Tinney from California. I have been able to transfer donation funds to my friend Mohammed Al-Owaini via bank transfer. Funds will go towards traveling through the Rafah crossing, renting an apartment for his family, health checks, and living expenses in Egypt. Please share his story with your friends. Our collective support does make a big difference for them.