Hello, my name is Laila Abdalrahim, and I currently work as a Youth Support Worker in Canada. Prior to this role, I was a secondary school teacher in Gaza, always advocating for youth as I firmly believe they represent the hope of the future, and I support them in recognizing their potential to become the person they aspire to be. My journey brought me from Gaza in 2019 to attend a scholarship program for teachers in the USA. Following the completion of my program in the USA, I made the decision to relocate to Canada in 2020. Presently, I reside alone, holding onto the hope of one day reuniting with my family.

The current circumstances in Gaza greatly affect my family, highlighting the critical necessity for my involvement. As a result, I am reaching out to seek your support in financing the necessary expenses for bringing my family together: including paperwork, medical expenses, travel arrangements, and their initial settlement in Canada. Although the Canadian government's family reunification program offers hope, it lacks financial assistance for newcomers under this initiative, leaving the financial responsibility on me as a sponsor.

The Story:

Since the beginning of the war, I have been living a daily trauma of seeing my family and beloved ones suffering the genocide happing in Gaza. The recent conflict in Gaza deeply affected my family who found themselves surrounded by military Tanks on December 25,2023. The first two levels of the house were destroyed completely by missiles, and they had been asked to evacuate amidst heavy gunfire, carrying white flags for a " safety place" but there was no safety place. With my mother, two sisters, two brothers and their families they fled desperately in search of a safe place. Escaping with 4 children and 7 women, they endured a terrifying night under relentless bombing.

The story of my family paint a picture of shattered lives, each member carrying a tale of a dream put on hold. The loss of my brother’s house, being trapped in the northern area of the Gaza strip, it robs them of hope and security. They are struggling with severe shortages of basic necessities like food, water, and medical care, their resilience is continuously tested.

It breaks my heart to recall the moment I finally connected with my family after desperate attempts to ascertain their safety amidst the airstrikes and loss of connection. Seeing news reports of our neighbourhood being ground invaded filled me with dread. My siblings were in graving, pleading with me to find a way to bring them out of Gaza to safety. My 8-year-old nephew, Qusai, repeatedly asked me the same question: "When will you get us out of here to live with you safely?"

My family:

• My mother 

• Sister: Lina 

• Sister: Lama 

• Bother: Salah 

• Sister in-law: Ruba 

• Niece: Lama 

• Niece: Raghad 

• Nephew: Wesam 

• Nephew: Bassel 

• Brother: Talal 

• Sister in-law : Asma 

• Nephew: Amin 

• Niece: Reem 

• Nephew : Qusai

Talal and Asma's home was destroyed by missile strikes, a truly devastating and heart-wrenching ordeal. It felt as though a piece of their very souls had been torn away, leaving behind an n emptiness that is impossible to fill. Every corner of their house held cherished memories—joyful moments, warm gatherings, and the challenges they conquered together. Witnessing it all obliterated in an instant was an indescribable pain. It wasn't just the physical loss; it was the irreplaceable memories shattered into fragments. The overwhelming sense of helplessness and grief was akin to losing a part of themselves. This deep and profound sorrow will linger for a long time, serving as a constant reminder of what once was and what can never be recovered.

he Goal: My aim is to raise $250,000 (CAD) to address the following expense:

• The expenses for crossing from Gaza into Egypt amount to more than US$7,000 per person (check out this article: https://theintercept.com/2024/03/07/gaza-palestinians-border-crossing-egypt/

• Temporary Accommodation in Egypt: Funds will be allocated to provide temporary housing and living arrangements in Egypt while awaiting the issuance of Canadian visas, which estimated to be 4-6 months, for our family members,

• paperwork (biometrics, issuing passports, application fees, driver licenses, insurance fees, mailing, etc.).

• Flight Tickets: The raised funds will cover the cost of flight tickets from Cairo to Calgary for our family members.

• Establishment costs in Canada (accommodation, furniture, transportation, weather appropriate clothing, phone lines etc.).

• If funds permit, pocket money for initial expenses and groceries.

• School fees and English language classes.

It is worth noting that the Canadian government will offer no financial aid or support for Palestinian families that will arrive in Canada. This means I will be the one taking care of all financials related to my entire family for at least a year.

Conclusion:

Here in Canada, I am reminded daily of the stark contrast in safety and stability that I enjoy. The despair of losing contact and the constant dread of losing someone overnight are harsh realities I face. I have personally witnessed the transformative power of safety and stability in Canada. I long to provide my family with the same sense of security I have found here. While I am grateful to the Canadian government for offering this reunification opportunity, I require your assistance to turn it into reality.

Your generosity and support will enable me to reunite and safeguard my family, offering them the chance for a brighter and more secure future, free from devastation and peril. I deeply appreciate your consideration of my cause. Thank you!