Help Youssef Bring Hope to Gaza’s Children

From a World Record to a War Zone.

Youssef Al-Bahtini, once a bright rising star in the world of gymnastics, is now a 20-year-old volunteer and entertainer in Gaza, risking his life every day to bring smiles to traumatized children who have lost everything.

At age 12, Youssef broke a Guinness World Record for a gymnastic feat that stunned international audiences. He dreamed of an inspiring career and of building a better life for his family.

But war shattered those dreams.

His home was destroyed. His best friend was killed in an airstrike. His university was bombed. He now lives in a refugee tent in Gaza, in constant danger, without clean water or regular food. And yet, he continues to give.

What does he do?

Youssef is an independent entertainer, working across various contexts. He has a passion for doing charity work for displaced and traumatized children in Gaza’s shelters and camps. Through singing and Dabke-dancing, he offers moments of joy in a place filled with fear and destruction. His talent is widely recognized in Gaza.

“Even if we’re terrified, we try to be their safety. If a child smiles just for a moment it’s enough to keep going. We want to demonstrate how much we love life and preserve our heritage while everything is being taken from us.”

—Youssef

Why does he need your help?

Youssef’s work is unpaid. He’s exhausted, often hungry, and still, he makes an effort to volonteer through his work with Human Appeal Australia. He has lost everything, but still gives everything.

This fund will go directly to Youssef to help him:

• Buy food and clean water.
  

• Provide entertainment materials and supplies for his humanitarian performance for the children.
  

• Support his safety and basic needs.
  

• Keep the spirit of joy alive through his efforts, even in wartime.
  

Why give?

This is not just charity. It’s an act of love.

It’s a stand for hope. For life. Humanity and Dignity.

“Peace is not just a word.

Peace is clean food. Peace is clean water.

Peace is not having to be afraid every second.”

—Youssef

Even a small donation can help Youssef keep going.

Let’s show him and the children of Gaza that they are not forgotten.

Let’s lift the ones who are lifting others.

Please donate. Share. And help a young man keep the light alive in the darkest of places.

Youssef on Instagram: @youssefalbahtini

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About the person behind the Fundraiser

My name is Svala Ásdísardóttir, and I am a friend of Youssef's brother. He was assisting Youssef abroad during his quest to break the World record. All this is well documented and traceable. You can watch the videos on Youssef’s Instagram profile. I have known the brothers since the beginning of the war and frequently talk to both of them.

I am from Iceland, but I live in Sweden where I work as a freelancing journalist, teacher, and interpreter.

I can assure you that Youssef is not affiliated with any political organizations or armed groups of any kind. He is just an ordinary civilian, with extraordinary talents, trying to survive the Genocide in Gaza.

Everything collected through this fundraiser will go to Youssef through his brother.