Kia ora, Marhaba, Bom Dia, Hello, we are Dom and Dayna, and we are South African born co-founders of the Anti-Apartheid Book Club currently based in Portugal and Aotearoa, New Zealand respectively.

We have started this fundraiser to help get our friend Naima, the only survivor in her family, out of Gaza. Naima is an 18-year-old, who lived with her father, mother, and two sisters in Al Rimal, Gaza, until the 12th of October, when her life changed forever.

We are hoping to raise $8500 to help her safely evacuate. $5000 will go towards the cost of evacuation and the remaining $3500 will support her while she gets back on her feet. Most people are unable to leave Egypt immediately so she will need money for basic necessities including rent.

“During times of war, we were always next to each other, we all slept in the same room, so that if our house got bombed, we would die together or survive together. I did not know that this wouldn’t work.”

About 6 months ago what Naima and her family had feared happened, and their home was bombed. Naima was the only survivor.

“They never leave my thoughts, day or night. They were good people, they were good and kind. Even in the first days of the war, they did not let me help them wash the laundry. Since then, I have been living through the most difficult times of my life without them. I relied on my family for everything, and now, I do everything myself. It’s been really hard.”

Miraculously, Naima walked away with a broken foot and minor injuries, and despite the healthcare challenges Gaza faces, is healing well.

Prior to October 7th, Naima had recently started studying cybersecurity at university, after finishing school with an amazing grade of 90.8%.

Despite having lost so much, her grit and resilience is an inspiration. Naima is asking for assistance for her to leave Gaza. She is asking for the opportunity that so many of us take for granted: the opportunity to survive, to work hard, to graduate, to get a job, and to try her best to rebuild her life. Naima had her whole life in front of her until she didn't and all we want for her is that she has the opportunity to continue to move forward after everything she has survived thus far.

Naima has an aunt overseas who is waiting to meet her in Egypt. Please help us evacuate Naima, a strong, courageous, resilient, ambitious young woman. Her story has inspired us and we hope it inspires you to lean in, in whatever way you can.