HOPE IN ACTION: SUPPORT PALESTINIANS IN DIASPORA

Hello, my name is Tayler Ainley and I am from Boorloo (Perth, Western Australia) and, on behalf of my dear friends Rasha Nijim and Lena Mishal, I am helping to raise funds to go directly to 'Arham', a volunteer group working with Palestinian people on the ground in Gaza who are affected by the war. This group of incredible human beings are working tirelessly to provide warm meals, help set up tents, and provide mattresses, blankets, clothes, medicines, and baby formula. 'Arham' also distributes cash amounts directly to families to help them purchase essential items like hygiene products for women and children.

Let me provide some insight into who we are, how we're connected, and why we're raising funds together. Lena and I share a longstanding connection stemming from our high school years in Boorloo (Perth). For quite some time, my focus has been on understanding the insidious impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous and marginalized communities here in so-called Australia. Then, as I learned about Palestine's history, I was further confronted with the far-reaching grip of colonial and imperial powers, fueling my determination to effect meaningful change. Lena, a catalyst for connection, introduced me to Rasha Nijim, a driving force behind 'Arham', and in that moment, I felt a deep resonance with the ethos of 'Arham', galvanizing my resolve to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian cause. I will be collecting and then distributing the donations back to Arham.

A NOTE FROM LENA MISHAL:

As a nomad with roots in Australia and Jordan, I've embraced the freedom to travel post-COVID, seizing the opportunity to break free from a past marked by adversity, often influenced by my Palestinian heritage. Long before the trend of breaking cycles gained momentum, I was already on that journey. Despite facing setbacks and occasional relapses, I've navigated this path largely alone, lacking the support system that many Palestinians are denied due to the perpetual state of survival mode. The privilege I've had, unlike my parents and family, is the time and space to reflect and evolve, seeking ways to improve not only myself but also the circumstances of those around me emotionally – a luxury often out of reach for many in similar situations.

Rasha holds a significant role in my life that goes beyond conventional family dynamics. I knew her before she became my uncle's wife, having encountered her during a visit to Gaza when I was 14. She was the head of student affairs at Al Azhar University and allowed me access to observe how it was to be a Uni student there. Later, when I heard she was marrying my uncle, our prior connection made the transition from acquaintance to family smoother. Despite needing a reminder of our first meeting, our shared history formed a basis for a lasting friendship beyond mere familial ties.

A NOTE FROM RASHA NIJIM:

For me, I have been living in Switzerland with my husband and children for 13 years. I came to Europe in 2010 on a family reunification visa with my husband, who is of Palestinian origin and also holds German citizenship. Then, we moved to live in Switzerland where he got a job contract with one of the famous Swiss banks. We live together, and we have two children, and we all have held Swiss nationality as well for about three years now.

When I was in Gaza, I studied pharmacy and after graduating, I worked for five years as a project coordinator with local and international human rights institutions. When I moved to Switzerland, I learned German and worked as a pharmacist, and now I am about to complete a Master's degree in Pharmacy from the ETH University in Zurich.

Since the beginning of the war, I have volunteered with many groups and international human rights organizations to lend a helping hand to those affected in Gaza and established the Arham team, which works voluntarily in various activities to help those in need there from all categories.

A NOTE FROM THE 'ARHAM' TEAM:

'Arham' is a name in Arabic that translates to having compassion and mercy, and the individuals behind this group truly embody these qualities and are hoping to help as many people as possible with their emergency aid.

In a world faced with various challenges, the plight of refugees stands as one of the most pressing and urgent issues. At 'Arham', we believe in turning empathy into action, which is why we have embarked on a mission to raise funds for refugees, providing them with the essentials needed for survival, including shelter, food, and other necessities.

Join us in making a tangible difference in the lives of Palestinians in the diaspora. Your generosity and support are instrumental in providing not only the physical essentials but also a sense of hope and resilience. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change, offering comfort and assistance to those who need it most. Visit our donation page to contribute to this humanitarian cause and be a beacon of hope for refugees worldwide.

*Providing Shelter:* Creating Tents for Comfort and Safety

One of the fundamental needs of Palestinians forcefully ousted is a safe and secure place to call home, even if temporarily. With your support, we aim to provide sturdy and weather-resistant tents that not only offer protection from the elements but also serve as a beacon of hope for those displaced. These tents become more than just shelter; they represent a step towards rebuilding lives and fostering a sense of stability.

*Nourishing Lives:* Ensuring Access to Nutritious Food

Malnutrition is a harsh reality for most Palestinians in Gaza. Our fundraising efforts also focus on ensuring that refugees have access to nutritious meals for adults, children and babies. By partnering with local suppliers and organizations, we aim to create sustainable food solutions that cater to the diverse dietary needs of displaced communities. Your contribution can help us provide regular meals, bringing nourishment and strength to those who need it most.

*Essentials for Every Day*: The Power of Basic Supplies

Basic essentials are often taken for granted, but for refugees, having access to items like clothing, hygiene products, and medical supplies can make a world of difference. Your support enables us to assemble care packages filled with these essentials, offering a lifeline to those facing adversity. Through collective efforts, we can make a substantial impact on the well-being of displaced individuals and families.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for any contribution you can make. Your generosity means the world to us. Please consider sharing the link to this page with your friends and family to help spread the word. Throughout our fundraising journey, we'll keep you updated with posts detailing exactly how your donations are being utilized. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of Palestinian refugees who have been most affected by the devastating impact of this war.

Thank you for standing with us in solidarity.