Saving Gazan Lives; Leaving Gaza, Direct Aid, and Refuge

*Overview*

We must continue to work and advocate for systemic and sustainable change on a societal and governmental scale. At the same time, individual need and connection cannot be eclipsed by the sheer demand for help. Therefore, we have worked together to manifest both forms of change — individual and collective. I am closely connected to three families in acute need. Two, including my family, have left Gaza but lost their homes, belongings, and are in desperate need for funds for food and shelter while they await answers for their residence permit applications. The third is trapped in southern Gaza and needs to leave to save their lives.

*A picture of Mimas's family in front of their destroyed home in Southern Gaza. The twins have just turned 15, followed by Tala, who is 12, Malak, who is 9, Sela, who is 2, and baby Mohammed, who was born one month before the war*

*The story of Mimas’s Family*

My dear uncle Tareq was born in Gaza and spent his entire life working in the strip as an officer for the Ramallah based PA to support his family of 7. My family in Gaza lived through more wars than I can remember or count and have bravely powered through them all.

War is different though when you have children and my five young cousins have seen things during this round that no child should see.

I dream that these children get to safety and start their journey of healing from all they have witnessed and felt in these past few months.

My uncle does not sleep thinking of how to secure food, water and medicine for his children, some days he risks his life waiting hours for food and goes home empty handed. What is more heartbreaking than not seeing children in school is seeing them terrified, broken and hungry. We’ve been their only source of help for the past 200+ days, I pray you find it in your hearts to help us.

*There are seven family members that need to get to safety – Mimas’s uncle, aunt, and their five young children*

*The story of Shadi's Family*

In October 2023, Shadi and his fourteen family members' (now 15 thanks to a birth this week!) five-story home in Gaza was struck by a missile. Forced to flee, the 14 family members became separated. Shadi's parents, both severely handicapped and immobile, remained in the north of Gaza after the Israeli Army directed civilians to the south. His eldest sister stayed behind to care for them, while the other ten family members sought refuge in Khan Younis.

A diplomatic call on December 15th brought unexpected news: through the efforts of a coalition comprising 117 diplomats, activists, and religious leaders from over six countries, the family was granted 14 humanitarian visas to Europe.

Subsequently, on December 20th, they received clearance to cross into Cairo, Egypt. Activists in Cairo facilitated their journey, providing essential supplies and arranging transportation to embassy appointments for travel documents.

On December 22nd, ten family members departed on a flight to safety. Then, on January 6th, a coordinated evacuation transported Shadi's parents and sister from Al Shifa Hospital in Northern Gaza to Rafah, enabling their reunion with the rest of the family.

Now settled in Europe, the family can embark on the journey of recovery from the trauma they endured, supported by the network of leaders who intervened to save them.

*Shadi's son Riyad, who's 2, his daughter Toleen, who's 10, his daughter Sabine, who's 8, and the two son's of his sister -- Mohammed, who's nine, and Samer who's 7. This picture was taken in the apartment that they received three months rent-free. As of May, they will need to relocate and we are raising funds for their future accommodation*

Shadi and his family have been uprooted from their homes, jobs, and schools, but they demonstrate resilience as they rebuild their lives with the aid of the compassionate "village" that rallied to their rescue.

*What is needed from you?*

Mimas's family URGENT need:

Mimas's family urgently requires $70,000 to evacuate 7 family members from Southern Gaza due to the escalating ground operations. These funds are essential to cover evacuation expenses, travel costs to Egypt, and their living expenses while in Egypt.

Shadi's family need:

$55,700 is needed to support 15 family members until autumn, aiming for approved residence permits and employment opportunities. This amount will cover essential needs such as housing, acute medical expenses resulting from war injuries, food, education for five children, and transportation for two disabled parents. Here's a breakdown:

Immediate Costs:

Short-Term Expenses (5 months):

Medium-Term Expenses (1 year):

Education Expenses:

Total: $55,700

Majd's family need:

Total: $70,000