Help Saeid and his family get to Jordan!

Dear friends,

My name is Sara-Isobel and I am writing this on behalf of my dear friend, Saeid. In 2015, I hired Saeid to be my tour guide through Palestine and the occupied territories and we have remained friends ever since. Saeid was born and raised in the West Bank, Palestine where he currently resides with his family.

A few months ago, Saeid took a chance and applied to the university of Portland, OR for a 3 year masters program in international peacekeeping. His hard work and perseverance has paid off as he has been accepted to the university on a scholarship. This is positive news, however it is extremely challenging as a Palestinian to obtain an exit visa(s) from the Israeli government to travel outside of the occupied territories.

He was hoping to set up an interview for the visa applications in Jerusalem but his permit to enter Jerusalem, only a few miles from his home, was refused by Israel (of course) along with almost all “non essential” Palestinians. It's disheartening to hear of the obstacles Saeid and his family are encountering in their quest for a better life. The bureaucratic hurdles, political complexities, and brutal discrimination they face are undoubtedly daunting.

We just received news that Saeid and his family are scheduled at the US Embassy in Jordan on June 10th to apply for, and hopefully obtain their visas. To obtain the documents the need they will have to travel across 3 borders-Palestinian, Israeli, and Jordanian. What was once an hour long trip to Jordan via the West Bank has become a full day of dangerous travel. To any of you who have had the privilege of visiting Palestine, you are aware of the crossings into and around the occupied territories. These crossings involve many humiliating security checkpoints, roadblocks, fees, and unknown dangers from armed settlers as well as the never ending presence of the IDF. Once in Jordan, Saeid and his family will be heavily scrutinized by the Jordanian army and government. There is a chance that they will be denied visas by the US Embassy officials in Jordan and will be made to return to the war zone that the West Bank has become, indefinitely.

Since Oct 7, the price of everything in the occupied territories has skyrocketed. We have no idea how much this trip for a family of 7 will cost, but hope that this will be enough to make the journey a little earlier. This money will be used for transportation to and from Jordan, accommodation for the week, food, and the visa applications for his family. When they get their visas, we will launch a more substantial fund raiser to try and help get them on their feet in Portland.

Saeid and his family, like all Palestinians and humans alike, deserve freedom, security and peace as much as the rest of us. He deserves a chance to make life better for him and his family.

I stand in solidarity with Saeid and all Palestinians. Let's support them in any way we can. Whether it's through financial assistance, spreading awareness, or offering words of encouragement, every gesture counts.

Thank you for taking the time to read this message and consider supporting Saeid and his family in their journey to pursue education and a better future. Saeid's story is a testament to resilience and determination of all Palestinians, despite facing never ending challenges.

Thank you for your generosity and compassion. FREE PALESTINE!