Help Feed Yazan’s Community in Palestine

Standing with Yazan to Make a Lasting Difference, One Meal at a Time

Our Mission

I'm Bill Simmons from Wauconda, IL. My wife Karla and I hosted Yazan Adwan, an exchange student from Palestine, for seven months in 2022-2023. He became like a second son to us, and his kindness and compassion left a lasting impact on our family.

Now, Yazan and his family face hardship back home in Palestine, where food insecurity has reached critical levels. The ongoing humanitarian crisis has resulted in many families, including Yazan’s, experiencing significant challenges in meeting basic needs. Some families have limited access to food for several days. There are reports of aid being diverted or being fired upon during distribution. These conditions are part of Yazan’s daily life.

As friends and supporters, we are coming together to launch this GoFundMe campaign to help provide food supplies to Yazan and restore hope where it is needed most.

Why This Cause Matters

Yazan’s story is emblematic of the challenges faced by so many in Gaza City, Palestine. Ongoing conflict has caused widespread shortages of food, water, and essential supplies. Children, parents, and elders are especially at risk, and every contribution can have a meaningful impact on Yazan’s loved ones and neighbors. In some areas, more than two-thirds of the population experience daily food insecurity.

Yazan’s family has been directly affected, enduring loss of income, displacement, and uncertainty about the future. With local resources stretched thin, international support becomes crucial to ensure families have enough to eat. Your donation will go directly toward providing food parcels for Yazan’s family —these parcels contain essentials such as rice, lentils, flour, oil, and canned goods, helping families endure these difficult times.

How Your Support Makes a Difference

Every dollar you give offers more than just a meal—it brings strength, dignity, and hope. Here’s how your support helps Yazan:

• $30 covers 1kg of pasta.

• $45 covers 1kg of rice.

• $60 covers 1kg of flour.

• $120 covers 1kg of sugar.

Yazan’s Story

Since returning home, Yazan has faced challenges few of us can imagine—supporting his family while resources dwindle and hope seems scarce. “Knowing my friends abroad are thinking of us means the world,” Yazan says. “Each food donation is a reminder that we are not alone.” Yazan once gave us the gift of his presence. Now we have the opportunity to return that love—and offer his community the dignity of a full plate and a hopeful heart.

How Funds Will Be Used

We pledge to allocate 100% of net proceeds toward food procurement and distribution for Yazan.

Any surplus funds will be directed to future food relief for Yazan’s neighbors or expanded assistance as needs evolve.

How You Can Help

• Donate: Any amount, large or small, brings hope to Yazan and his community.

• Share: Please share this fundraiser with friends, family, and networks to extend our circle of support.

• Advocate: Raise awareness about food insecurity in Palestine and the impact your generosity can have for Yazan’s loved ones.

The bonds we share with Yazan have always transcended borders. By uniting now, we can transform our compassion into real help for his family and neighbors. Together, let’s bring nourishment, hope, and strength to Yazan and his community—one meal at a time.

Thank you for standing with Yazan and for believing in the power of friendship and kindness.

Bill & Karla