URGENT: Help Evacuate My friend's Family from Gaza

Dear friends, family, and compassionate souls, 

 I hope this message finds you well. My name is Yousif Hikal. I'm reaching out to you today with a heartfelt plea for support for my dear friend's family in Palestine; Yasmine Talal. This is Yasmine’s Message to you explaining more details. “We are currently at the southern Gaza strip, in Rafah Area which is a remote area beside the Egyptian borders. This is our third displacement after the occupation bombed and destroyed our homes and threatened the area which we live in. We became homeless, residing in a humiliating tent in the desert as it’s a border area. 

Our family consists of 16 people, which means 4 families, 9 adults and 7 children, the oldest of whom is 11 years old and the youngest one year old. Our 60-year-old mother suffers from hepatitis C, weak heart muscle, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, and osteoporosis which is a medical condition characterized by weakened bones, making them fragile and more prone to fractures. It occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, resulting in a decrease in bone density and strength. Due to the current circumstances, not all of her medications are available, which has led to her health condition doubling. My older sister’s family consists of 6 members. Her husband lost his job as an architect and now suffers from inflammation and damage to the nerves in his hands due to malnutrition. He cannot use his hands for anything that requires effort, and there is no treatment available due to the scarcity of medicines during the war, so he is unable to even support his family and meet their needs. Their one-year-old daughter suffers from constant diarrhea, which has led to severe dehydration and severe skin flaking. My other sister’s children also suffer from chest diseases, shortness of breath, and severe panic and panic at any sound of any explosion that occurs. 

All 7 of my sisters’ children suffered from constant gastrointestinal diseases due to malnutrition and contaminated water, and they were all infected with hepatitis A due to the accumulation of garbage and the spread of flies and insects in the area to which we recently migrated to. 

The pictures show the garbage and wastewater collection area near our tents. Now we are without an income, living in a tent in a place that lacks all the basic necessities of life, including education, health, nutrition, or even the availability of potable water. There has been no electricity for more than 6 months, and diseases and epidemics are spreading quickly and frighteningly, as more than a million and a half have been displaced to Rafah. 

To escape death, loss, fear, humiliation, and oppression, we unfortunately decided to leave Gaza, which we love, after all conditions and reasons for human living there became impossible. Therefore, we need your help to cover the travel costs and help us start from scratch, or even less than zero. The total cost of being able to leave Gaza is $80,000, with each person needing $5,000 which must be paid to the Egyptian side as departure fees. After arriving at our destination, we will need to cover basic living expenses, which include accommodation, renewing passports, transportation, health care, and providing food, drink, and clothing, until we are able to get work, as all the breadwinners of the families were working and have many years of experience in their field of work that enables them to start again. In addition, each family (4 families) will need $1,000 per month to cover basic accommodation and living expenses for three months. It requires approximately $2,650 additional for each family to cover urgent medical needs and clothing for the children and family as we have lost everything we own due to the destruction of our homes. The site has a percentage of 2.9% + 30 cents for each donor + the commission for transferring money from America to Egypt, which is approximately $2600. 

Your generous donation will cover all these costs associated with our evacuation from Gaza until we can find a more permanent solution by looking for work abroad and starting again in a safer, warmer, and more humane area, away from terror, fear of loss, and living in the unknown, and ensuring a better future for our innocent children. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in their lives. Your support will provide them with the resources and assistance they need to navigate this treacherous journey safely and with dignity. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most. Let's come together as a community and extend a helping hand to my friend's family during this challenging time. 

Your kindness and generosity will be forever appreciated, and it will make a lasting impact on their journey to safety and security. Here's how you can help: Donate: No contribution is too small. Every dollar counts and brings us closer to reuniting the Talal’s family. 

 Share: Spread the word by sharing this campaign on your social media platforms, emails, and with friends and family. The more people who know, the more support we can garner. Send Positive Vibes: Even if you're unable to contribute financially, your thoughts and well-wishes mean the world. Leave a supportive comment and let them know they are not alone. We believe in the power of community and the collective strength of individuals coming together for a noble cause. 

Your generosity can be the bridge that connects this family with their loved ones. Let's make a difference in their lives and bring joy to their hearts. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, empathy, and support. 

 

With gratitude, Yousif Hikal