Urgent Appeal: Help My Family Escape Gaza’s Siege

Dear Compassionate Friends,

My name is Ahmed Matar. As I write this, I am overwhelmed with fear and hope for my family’s future. I am a father of five, and together with my elderly parents and my brother’s family, we are trapped in the horrors of Gaza’s siege. We are reaching out to you with a heartfelt plea for help.

The Heartbreaking Reality

Every day in Gaza is a struggle for survival. The constant sounds of bombings and the sight of shattered buildings are now our backdrop. I vividly recall one night when the explosions were so close, my children huddled together, clinging to each other in sheer terror. My youngest, just two years old, trembled as I tried to comfort her in the dark. The lack of basic necessities like electricity, clean water, and food has turned our lives into a constant fight.

I left Gaza a week before the war began, hoping to find safety and a better future for my children and my brother’s kids. But now, in the refugee camp, we face bureaucratic barriers that prevent us from working and supporting ourselves. We are living day to day, holding on to the hope that someone, somewhere, will extend a lifeline to us.

Our Critical Needs

Our situation is urgent. Here’s a breakdown of our immediate needs:

• Monthly Survival Costs:

o Brother’s Family: 400 euros

o My Family: 500 euros

o My Parents: 300 euros

o Total Monthly: 1,200 euros

The spread of Hepatitis among the children has added to our burden, increasing our medical expenses and forcing us into debt. We are living in constant fear and uncertainty, and we are reaching out to you because we need help to survive and to rebuild.

Our Plan for a Brighter Future

To escape this crisis and secure a stable future, we need to raise 64,100 euros for:

1. Repairing Our Damaged Home: 20,000 euros

o This will allow us to return to a safe and livable home, giving us a sense of normalcy and security.

2. Migration Expenses:

o Passports: 600 euros

o Exit Costs: 15,000 euros

o Flight Tickets: 3,600 euros

3. Housing and Living Expenses for 6 Months:

o Rent: 7,200 euros

o Living Expenses for My Family: 6,000 euros

o Living Expenses for My Parents: 1,800 euros

o Living Expenses for My Brother’s Family: 4,800 euros

4. Debt Repayment: 5,400 euros

o We have borrowed heavily from friends, and repaying these debts is crucial for our financial stability.

How Your Support Will Change Our Lives

Your generous contributions will make a profound difference. Here’s how:

• Repair Our Home: Funds will ensure our home is safe and livable, restoring a sense of normalcy and security.

• Handle Migration Costs: Your support will help us obtain passports, cover exit costs, and secure flights, allowing us to escape the danger.

• Cover Living Expenses: Ensuring we have the basics to live while we start over in a new place.

• Repay Debts: Alleviating the financial burden of the loans we’ve had to take.

A Heartfelt Appeal

Imagine the fear of a parent who cannot guarantee their child’s safety or provide for their needs. Imagine the hope that someone, somewhere, will extend a lifeline in their darkest hour. This is our reality. Your donation is not just financial aid; it is a beacon of hope that will help us escape the siege and start anew.

Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to safety and a new beginning. Your kindness can transform our lives and restore our hope. Thank you for standing with us and making a profound difference.

With deepest gratitude,

Ahmed Matar