Urgent Appeal: Supporting My Family in Gaza
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I am publishing this fundraiser on behalf of my dear friend, Ahmed, who I had the pleasure of meeting when I was studying and working in South Africa as a public health researcher. I am Canadian; GoFundMe is not available to South Africans, so I am assisting Ahmed by creating this fundraiser for his family on his behalf. He will receive all contributions.
Introduction:
Dear compassionate souls,
I come to you today with a heavy heart, seeking your assistance in a time of dire need. My name is Ahmed Abuarja and I'm facing the daunting task of securing a safe life and future for my family amidst the turmoil and the tragedy.
About My Family:
Our family is tightly woven, yet deeply scarred by recent tragedies. We've lost two cherished members, my brothers Muhammed and Kareem, to the relentless conflict in Gaza. Their absence has left an irreplaceable void in our lives.
In the midst of this turmoil, my mother stands as a beacon of strength and resilience. Despite the overwhelming challenges we face, she remains steadfast, guiding us through the darkest of days. Alongside her, my eldest brother Hasan, his wife, and their four children persevere, navigating the shattered remnants of our once vibrant community.
My sister Zaina, a source of unwavering support, refuses to succumb to despair. Despite losing everything we held dear, her spirit remains unbroken, offering solace and hope to our fractured family.
Among my family are:
- Hasan, my eldest brother, his wife, and their four children
- Zaina, my sister, who continues to inspire us with her resilience
- My mother, whose unwavering strength guides us through the darkest moments
- Muhammed, my late brother, who we tragically lost in the conflict, leaving behind his wife and six children, including his youngest daughter, whom he never had the chance to meet
- Kareem, my late brother, whose bright spirit was taken from us too soon
- And many other family members, each with their own struggles and triumphs, who form the fabric of our family's story.
My late brother Muhammed's children. We lost Muhammed in the conflict.
My mother and my late brother Kareem, who we lost in the conflict.
My brother Hasan's children and my late brother Muhammed's children.
My little sister Zaina and my late brother Kareem.
The Urgency:
The situation in Gaza is dire, with danger lurking at every corner. My family's homes, businesses and vehicles lie in ruins, and all their belongings are lost to the ravages of conflict. They find themselves with nothing but the clothes on their backs, facing constant bombardment and uncertainty. All their homes and business are destroyed and bombarded; all dreams vanished.
The ruins of my mother's home, all turned to rubble.
My mother's home destroyed.
This was my mother's apartment before the conflict.
My brother's house now. The entire tower is fallen and reduced to rubble.
This was my brother's house before the conflict.
My brother Hasan's business and vehicle destroyed.
How You Can Help:
- Extend a Helping Hand: Your donation, regardless of its size, is the heartbeat of hope for my family. It's the warmth of compassion in a world grown cold. With each dollar given, you breathe life into my family dreams, helping them stitch back together the fabric of the shattered lives. Please, join me in this journey of resilience and renewal. Your generosity is more than a gift; it's a lifeline, connecting us to a future filled with promise and possibility.
- Amplify Our Voice: Share the story far and wide, igniting a ripple effect of empathy and action. By spreading awareness about our plight, you empower others to join our cause, multiplying the impact of your support exponentially.
- Stand in Solidarity: Offer your skills, resources, or time to bolster our efforts. Whether it's providing logistical assistance, lending professional expertise, or simply offering a compassionate ear, your involvement strengthens our resolve and reinforces our sense of community.
- Advocate for Change: Raise your voice in advocacy for policies that prioritize peace and humanitarian relief in conflict zones like Gaza. By advocating for systemic change, you champion the rights and dignity of families like mine, paving the way for a more just and compassionate world.
- Provide Comfort and Encouragement: In moments of uncertainty and despair, your words of encouragement serve as a lifeline of hope. Your moral support uplifts our spirits, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggle and that brighter days lie ahead.
Your involvement, no matter how small, holds immeasurable significance in our journey towards healing and resilience. Thank you for considering how you can make a profound difference in our lives.
Conclusion:
I implore you, with every fiber of my being, to join us in this fight for survival. The weight of our collective struggle is immense, but with your compassionate support, we can lift it together. Your generosity has the power to offer my family a glimmer of hope amidst the suffocating darkness that surrounds us.
As I pen these words, my heart aches with the enormity of our predicament. Yet, amidst the despair, there is a flicker of optimism—a belief that, with your help, we can transcend the limitations imposed upon us by conflict and tragedy.
Please, consider donating to our cause. Your contribution, no matter how small, is a ray of light piercing through the storm clouds that loom over us. Together, let us turn tragedy into triumph, despair into hope, and adversity into resilience.
Thank you, from the depths of our souls, for any support you can provide. Your kindness is a beacon of hope in our darkest hour, and we are forever grateful for your unwavering compassion.
By donating to this campaign, you're not just giving money - you're giving children from underserved communities the opportunity to dream again! To live again.
Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference.
Your generous contributions will be allocated towards essential expenses aimed at securing the safety and well-being of my family. Here's a breakdown of how your donations will be used to save my 15 family members:
Emergency Evacuation Costs (USD):
- Application fees: $1,500
- Temporary accommodation and expenses in Cairo: $7,000
- Biometrics fees in Cairo: $500
- Flight tickets to South Africa: $25,000
Initial Settlement Expenses (USD):
- Rent for temporary housing: $10,000
- Basic furniture and household essentials: $7,000
- Personal necessities: $4,000
- Daily living expenses for three months: $10,000
- Immigration cost from "Ya Hala" agency: $100,000
Other Essential Expenses (USD):
- Medical expenses and insurance: $10,000
- Educational expenses for children: $5,000
Remaining Funds (USD):
- Buffer for unforeseen expenses and to cover GoFundMe fee: $10,000
Total: $190,000 USD
Co-organizers (2)
Erica Dong
Organizer
Burnaby, BC
Ahmed Abuarja
Co-organizer