Help Oday Abu Khalil and His Family Survive

My name is Chan, and I’m activist and humanitarian in the US. I would like to introduce you to Oday Abu Khalil, an 18-year-old from Gaza who, despite facing overwhelming challenges, remains steadfast in his determination to support his family. Oday’s story is one of resilience, hardship, and the desperate need for help.

Oday's Story

Oday recovered from a heart condition at the age of 14, only to face another family crisis when his father severely injured his foot in a fall. With his father’s injury rendering him unable to work, Oday took on the responsibility of being the primary breadwinner for his family. Starting work at such a young age, Oday has been juggling the demands of earning a livelihood and continuing his education. The conflict in Gaza has only added to their suffering. During one of the bombings, their home was struck while the family was inside. Though they survived, the psychological trauma, especially for Oday’s younger siblings, has been immense. His little brother, Obi, now struggles to speak normally due to the trauma from the bombing. They now struggle with severe anxiety and fear.

Currently, Oday and his family live in a dilapidated tent, which provides little protection against the elements. In the summer, temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), and rainwater enters their bed during the winter. The rising costs of basic necessities have made their situation even more dire. As of July 2024, the price of a 25-kilogram bag of flour has skyrocketed to between $40 and $100, compared to around $10 before the conflict. Water, once 2 shekels ($0.50) per bottle, now costs 4 to 5 shekels ($0.80). Finding food and water has become a daily struggle, as everything is too expensive. To make matters worse, they have had to dig in the ground for water, which poses significant health risks due to the current lack of proper sanitation in Gaza.

The cost to cross the border safely can range from $5,000 to $10,000 per person, meaning that for a family of 12, it could cost between $60,000 to $120,000. In the meantime, they need funds to cover their daily survival needs.

Despite these challenges, Oday continues to work tirelessly to support his family, fetching water from distant places and covering other basic needs. However, the burden is too great for him to bear alone.

How You Can Help

Your donations can make a profound difference in the lives of Oday and his family. Here’s how your support can help:

•Provide Immediate Relief: Cover essential daily expenses such as food and water.

•Medical Assistance: Fund necessary medical care for Oday’s father and psychological support for his siblings, especially Obi.

•Future Security: Assist them in relocating to a safer place where they can live without the constant fear of violence.

I have created this campaign to help Oday and his family cover their immediate needs and work towards a safer, more stable future. Your generosity can provide them with the support they need to rebuild their lives and restore hope. Every donation, no matter how small, can make a significant impact.

Please consider helping Oday and his family through this incredibly difficult time. Thank you for your compassion and support.