My last hope of saving my family's life from Gaza

Dear Friends, Supporters, and Concerned Citizens,

My name is Mustafa Abo Obaid, 29 years old Mechatronics Engineer, A father of 3 years old daughter, and expecting a new baby boy. After I have already lost my beloved sister and many relatives of my family due to the war in Gaza. Therefore, I am reaching out to you today with a heavy heart but also a sense of urgency that cannot be understated. My family and I find ourselves in an unimaginable situation due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The violence and instability have reached a point where the safety and well-being of my loved ones are at grave risk.

As many of you are aware, the situation in Gaza has been dire for far too long, with innocent civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict. However, recent escalations have made life even more unbearable, leaving families like mine with no choice but to seek refuge and safety elsewhere.

In light of these circumstances, I am organizing a fundraising campaign aimed at evacuating my family from Gaza to a place of safety. This is not a decision we have taken lightly, but rather one born out of necessity and the desire to ensure the survival of those we hold dear.

The funds raised through this campaign will go directly towards covering the costs associated with transportation, temporary accommodation, and essential supplies needed for our relocation. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a significant difference in our ability to escape the horrors of war and start anew in a place where peace and security are not just distant dreams.

I humbly ask for your support in this critical endeavour. Whether you can spare a few dollars or share this appeal with your network, every action taken will bring us one step closer to safety and a brighter future. Additionally, your prayers, well wishes, and words of encouragement are deeply appreciated during this challenging time.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and for considering supporting our cause. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to those in desperate need of assistance.

On Monday, May 6, 2024, the military began advancing towards Rafah, initiating a brutal bombardment of the city. As the explosions drew closer to our home, my family and I had no choice but to flee to the western areas of the city. We had no time to take any essentials with us.

We left our homes and moved to tents that offered no protection from the heat of the day or the cold of the night. The situation was painful and terrifying, especially as we lost the security and stability we once had. We left everything we owned behind and began facing harsh conditions in the camps, where the tents were not adequately equipped to provide shelter from the severe weather.

Fleeing was a difficult but inevitable decision to preserve our lives under such harsh circumstances. The experience affected all family members, and we faced new challenges daily, from a lack of food and clean water to constant anxiety about our future. Despite all this, we hold on to hope that this ordeal will end, and we will one day return to our homes and a more stable and secure life.

With heartfelt gratitude

The sun had just begun to rise over Rafah when the drums of war sounded, and we had to leave our homes immediately. The sound of cannons and gunfire was getting closer, and our hearts were pounding with fear and sorrow. We gathered what little we could carry and left.

We crossed streets and alleys, knowing that returning might be a distant dream. But the real hardships began when we reached the place of displacement. There wasn't enough food or water, and we shared what little we had. The children were the most affected, and diseases spread among them like wildfire.

We would gather every day around a small fire to cook the little food we had, and making bread was a daunting task in these conditions. Despite that, we never lost hope, sharing stories and prayers for peace to return to our city someday.

The first days were the hardest, and with each passing night, we learned how to survive in this new reality. There was no luxury, only a struggle for survival. Mothers cried in silence, and children asked when we would return to our homes, but the answers were vague. Sadness filled the air, but amidst it all, we held onto each other, for that was the only thing giving us the strength to go on.