Help Malik and his Uncle Mohammed Evacuate from Gaza

Rachel Ruark is organizing this fundraiser.

Hello...my name is Mohammed Abdel Karim Al-Atrash, and I am a resident of Gaza. My family and I are currently experiencing difficult living conditions due to the brutal war here. Before the war, I had a decent life and I was happy. I worked hard alongside my brother in his flower and gift shop. I was studying how to become a motion graphic designer as well. However, all this has changed since the occupation declared its war on the Gaza Strip. Our home was destroyed after being bombed several times and is now uninhabitable. The gift shop was also destroyed. We have moved multiple times, first living in a tent in Rafah which did not protect us from the cold and offered no privacy or running water. Now we are in a crowded apartment in Nuseirat which is being bombed every day. Nowhere is safe.

Without work, I have spent all my savings over the last six months. For this reason, I humbly ask you to help me evacuate Gaza to Egypt to search for a better and safe life. Right now, it costs $5,000 per adult and $2,500 per child for entry into Egypt. If I am able to reach my goal, I hope to evacuate to Egypt and continue to raise funds to help my parents and my niece, Talia, (pictured with me) and my nephew, Malik, (in the other photo) escape with my brother, Anas, and his wife, Wala. I hope to also help evacuate my brother Suhaib and my sister, Ola. They are currently living with us too. No one deserves to live like this, especially the children.

I am also very concerned for my father's health. Prior to the war, my father had several heart procedures including a stent placed in the main coronary artery. He has problems with his colon as well and needs to be on a healthy diet which cannot be met at this time. Legumes and unhealthy food worsen symptoms and we are limited with what we can find and afford. Canned beans and shelf stable foods do not offer adequate nutrition for anyone, especially those like my father with digestive health concerns.

We simply want the basic things in life. Healthy food, clean water, shelter, clothing, and safety.

Stay well, and may God protect all your loved ones.

GoFundMe Organizer: My name is Rachel Ruark and I'm organizing this fundraiser on behalf of my friend, Mohammed (GoFundMe is unfortunately prohibited in Gaza). I'm a big believer in turning heartbreak into action. I am in contact with Mohammed daily, doing my best to help him. We are so grateful for your support, it means the world to Mohammed and his family!

Here are photos of Mohammed's destroyed home:

This is the university where Mohammed studied. All that remains is rubble.

Our first goal is to help Mohammed leave. He is young, smart, and hardworking. He hopes to then be able to help his other family members. Here he is with his mother, Ahlam.