<div>(My name is Raven Dewitt. About 10 years ago I got a Facebook friend request from a very kind young woman who lived in Gaza. She was learning English and wanted an internet penpal to talk with. Over the years I have watched from afar as she and her young family have grown. I am starting this fundraiser on the behalf of my friend, as gofundme is not available where she is. Every single cent will go toward helping this family flee to safety.)
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<div>her message is this—
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<div><strong>Urgent appeal: Escaping Gaza’s Horrors</strong>
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<div>I am Heba Murtaja, a 28-year-old mother from Gaza, with a loving husband and three precious children. Our lives, once filled with simple joys and tranquility, have been shattered by the relentless horrors of war.
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<div>It began on October 7, 2023. The peaceful rhythm of our days was abruptly replaced by the deafening roar of explosions and the constant fear of danger lurking around every corner. Forced to flee our home multiple times, we have become refugees in our own land.
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<div>Our once cozy homes, including my mother-in-law's residence, now stand as mere remnants of the past, scarred by the violence that surrounds us. But it's not just the physical structures that have been destroyed; it's our sense of security, our dreams for the future, and our very essence of being.
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<div>In the chaos of war, even the innocence of childhood has been stolen from our children. Their school and kindergarten lie in ruins, leaving them with nowhere to turn for education and stability. How do you explain to a child why their safe haven has been reduced to rubble?
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<div>Adding to our despair, my husband lost his job at the Carefor Mall amidst the chaos and uncertainty. With no income to sustain us, we find ourselves trapped in a cycle of poverty and desperation.
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<div>Our current refuge in southern Gaza offers little relief. We struggle to find food and clean water, forced to sleep on cold, hard floors with only a few tattered blankets for warmth. Basic necessities like clean utensils, clothing, and even a shower are now luxuries beyond our reach.
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<div>Imagine living under a leaky roof, rain seeping through the cracks, mingling with the tears of our children as they cry out in fear at the sound of each explosion. The constant threat of death looms over us, casting a dark shadow on our hopes for a better tomorrow.
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<div>But we refuse to surrender to despair. We refuse to let war define our destiny any longer. We dream of a place where our children can laugh and play without fear, where they can receive an education and build a future filled with hope.
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<div>However, we cannot achieve this dream alone. We need your help to escape this nightmare and find safety in a land where peace is more than just a distant memory. We urgently require $20,000 to cover the costs of travel and resettlement. This includes $5,000 per adult to cover travel expenses, documentation, and resettlement fees, and $2,500 per child to ensure their safety and well-being during the journey. Your support is our lifeline. With your generosity, we can take the first steps towards a brighter future. Please, stand with us in solidarity and compassion. Help us write a new chapter of hope and resilience.
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<div>Thank you for your kindness and generosity.
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<div>With hope and gratitude,
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<div>Heba Murtaja and Family
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Elise Snow

Cate Reynolds

Anonymous

Yin Yan Chan

Donate to Secure Heba's Future and Help Others Escape Gaza

Still $5,173 to go. Help us build momentum.