Palestinian Aid: Support West Bank Families in Crisis.

I’m initiating this campaign to ask for your support for my friend Marwan and his extended family in the West Bank, who I first met when I visited Palestine in 2017 and 2019. Marwan was my guide in Palestine, and he is facing severe hardships as he struggles to support both his immediate family and his son's family.

Marwan’s life has been turned upside down since the war in Gaza started. With tourism coming to a near standstill, increased travel restrictions, increased security checkpoints and violence experienced within the area – resulting in the family losing their primary source of income. This is a story shared by many in the West Bank, where job losses have reached a staggering 32%, affecting around 276,000 people. Unemployment is projected to soar to 42.7% by the end of 2024.

For the past eight months, Marwan has been supporting not only his own family but also his son’s family, who were forced to move back in with him after losing their home, as they could no longer afford their rent. He also continues to provide support to a neighbouring family to care for their disabled teenage son, Marwan has provided with them with food as they are unable to afford the specialised diet needed.

The economic situation in the region is dire, with costs of living skyrocketing and basic necessities such as food, electricity, gas, and water becoming unaffordable.

Marwan faces difficult decisions every day, prioritising which basic necessities to sacrifice to feed his family. Unable to pay his utility bills, which now exceed £1000, he is at risk of disconnection of water and electricity and consequent legal action. Additionally, Marwan, his wife, and his son have been unable to afford needed medications for their long-term health conditions. He is suffering with an injury to his arm, which requires ongoing pain relief, physiotherapy and possible future surgery, which he’s currently unable to access due to the expense.

How You Can Help

This crowdfunding campaign aims to raise the funds needed to:

• Pay outstanding utility bills to prevent disconnection and legal action.

• Cover medical expenses for Marwan, his wife, and his son to ensure they receive needed treatments and medications.

• Establish a safety net for future medical and utility bills.

Your Impact

Your generosity can make an immediate and profound difference in their lives. Every donation, no matter the size, will help provide relief and hope to these families during this incredibly challenging time. Your support will ensure that Marwan’s family has access to basic necessities and medical care.

As a refugee himeslef, having been displaced in 1967, Marwan has worked for over 10 years at an NGO to assist Palestinian families, who’s homes had been demolished, to rebuild. It’s my hope that this fundraiser will alleviate some of the burden Marwan and his family have experienced over the last 8 months and give back to someone who has helped other families in their time of crises. I’d therefore be grateful if you could please consider donating and sharing this campaign with your network.