My name is Delaney (Rooh) McMahon, and I am raising funds for my friend Abdulkareem (@abed_zwidie on Instagram) to be granted medical evacuation. Abed is a 23-year-old photojournalist, a dedicated son/brother, and a college graduate with a degree in computer engineering. Last year, Abed was shot in the shoulder while fleeing the hospital that he was sheltering in. Six pieces of shrapnel were removed from his chest, resulting in serious nerve damage that impairs the use of his right hand and arm. The only medical facilities that can treat him are international, and Abdulkareem's passport expires at the end of March 2026. The PA government announced recently that no passports will be issued or renewed until further notice.

Abdulkareem is the sole provider for his household of 9 following the death of his brother-in-law. Although he is currently employed as a journalist, the pay is still insufficient to cover even the basic necessities of life, such as food, water, shelter, and hygiene products. Abed's work exposes him to some of the most dangerous areas on the planet. He continues to report even after being abducted, beaten, and threatened by the military.

Despite all this, Abdulkareem carries himself with gratitude, kindness, and an unparalleled dedication to service. Between reports, Abed takes care of his family's needs, volunteers at hospitals, assists the Red Crescent to dig bodies out from under the rubble, works to rebuild churches, mosques, and homes that were destroyed, and still finds time to laugh with me through beginner Arabic lessons.

My friend needs to escape not only to save the use of his right arm from permanent nerve damage, but to secure consistent work that can support his family and provide him safety. The cost of obtaining proper medical documentation, travel, and providing support for the family during this transition are more than Abed can bear alone. We can make this happen, together.