Hello, my name is Chris and I am starting a GoFundMe to help my dear friend Samy, whom I consider my brother. The funds will be transferred through my mom Ann, who currently resides in the US with me. I have known Samy for as long as I can remember since our families were neighbors in Gaza. Below is the message written by Samy that he has asked me to share with all of you.

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My name is Samy Mazin, once had it all in Gaza—a job I loved where I started my career path there for over 6 years, a lifetime of memories, a wife whose smile lit up my world, and a son whose laughter was the melody of our lives. I always had passion for my rare talent as an artist creating modern art in Gaza and holding few exhibitions. I’m a Palestinian artist who loved to live life, nothing too much. I just wanted a peaceful life like any other human being.

The past few months were nothing but a nightmare that I could have never imagined. My family and I were forced to evacuate from our house amidst the relentless bombing, we sought refuge from one place to another, our world crumbling around us with each explosion.

In the blink of an eye, I lost everything I held dear. My home was destroyed along with all of my precious things, including my art paintings. My sense of security completely shattered. As I gazed upon the ruins of my once happy life, a profound sense of loss and despair threatened to engulf me and my family.

Now, here I am, in a foreign land after evacuating, trying to start a new life with nothing but the ashes of my past. No job, no home, no possessions—just the shattered fragments of a life once lived. But through the tears and the pain, I refuse to let despair consume me. With your kindness and support, perhaps I can rebuild what was lost, piece by agonizing piece.

So, I am initiating a GoFundMe campaign. Although I will never quit, finding a job as a refugee is nearly impossible. This money will be used to support my family's life in the meantime with basic necessities (food, water, shelter) and inshallah after the war, to rebuild our life in Gaza.

As I recount my journey of survival and hope, I humbly ask for your assistance. With your generosity, I dare to dream of a future where peace reigns, and families like mine no longer endure the horrors of war. Hoping to change my story of loss into one of resilience. Thank you for standing with me in this journey towards rebuilding not just a house, but a home filled with love and laughter.