Help my orphaned grandchildren escape Gaza

My name is Rima Salem, a Canadian citizen originally from Palestine. I write this post with a constant feeling of heartbreak as I watch my eldest son Rami and his children, and my youngest son Tamer's children, suffer through this genocide in Gaza.

In February 2023, my whole life changed when my youngest son Tamer passed away from a battle with cancer, leaving behind two beautiful children, Majed and Rima. Myself and my husband, Issa Saliba, hearts are forever filled with grief over the loss of our son, whose children have now become our dependents and for whom we are responsible for their protection and wellbeing. They are innocent children who deserve the right to live in safety and security. It breaks my heart to think that they are not only mourning the loss of their fathers but also struggling to survive.

As a mother, my worst nightmare came true by losing a dear son, and with this, I am forced to be strong for his young children. This pain I do not wish upon anyone, and I ask God to protect your children.

All residing in Gaza, Palestine, my eldest son Rami and his family, as well as Tamer's children, are struggling to survive with nowhere to go for safety. They have no access to clean water or food, and live in constant fear of death. My family and I in Canada are doing our absolute best to help bring them to Canada and assist in keeping them alive until they can come here safely. We have applied for our family to come to Canada as soon as the application opened up, and we still haven't received a response.

Unfortunately, due to this ongoing genocide, the cost of keeping a human alive sadly comes with a large price tag. The financial burden of keeping my family alive has taken a toll on me. I receive not only calls from my family, but also from neighbors and friends who cry out for help to send money so they can purchase flour or anything they can find. Never did I imagine that I would find myself in a position where I would need to write this message. However, I always remind myself and my loved ones that there is no shame in asking for help, especially when the situation is out of our control.

As a mother, it is my obligation to protect and help my family live safely. I am not asking for money to send my family on a vacation or to buy a car. Instead, I humbly ask for your support to keep my son and grandchildren alive, by the will of God. I have already experienced the heart-wrenching loss of my dear son Tamer, who was only 44 years old. I cannot bear the thought of losing another family member.

Rest assured, every single penny collected through this campaign will be dedicated to helping my family stay alive and secure by providing them with basic necessities amidst this war. I ask God to protect your families from all harm and to bless each and everyone of you for your generosity. I pray that this nightmare comes to a peaceful end for all suffering and hope to be reunited with my son and grandchildren.

God bless you all!

Rima Salem