Urgent help for Family of 5 in Gaza

Hello everyone, my name is Natalie Holloway, I have created this fundraiser on behalf of my dear friend Zaki Askari and his family.

Zaki was a successful doctor, studying to become a surgeon in Gaza before his father suffered a stroke. Zaki had to give up surgery to care for his father, but still continued to work in the hospital to support his mother, father and 2 sisters.

Since the bombing of Gaza, Zaki and his family have been displaced a total of 13 times. These constant displacements are very hard on his family, and they often have to leave behind their belongings and start over, with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

They are often forced to sleep in a tent outside, unable to access food, clean water or the medical supplies Zaki's father desperately needs. There were times when they did not have a tent, and they had to sleep on the street.

The occupation has taken everything from them. Despite living under occupation, they lived a beautiful and happy life together.

Zaki has worked for many humanitarian organizations throughout his life. He has worked for UNRWA, Save Youth Future Society, Mercy Corps and the Red Crescent Society.

His life has been dedicated to helping others in need, now he needs our support, love and dedication to survive this unfortunate crisis.

Zaki's father, Fareed, is suffering greatly every day due to the lack of medical supplies available. Zaki must walk long hours and pay expensive prices to obtain whatever he can. He has been unable to find catheters for weeks, and must clean and reuse the same one, causing his father inflammation and pain.

To all my friends, family and caring strangers, please send whatever you can to support Zaki and his family during this time.

Here is a message from Zaki to all of you-

"My Name is Zaki, Palestinian From Gaza,

I am writing to you with a heavy heart and a plea for urgent assistance.

My father, who is 66 years old, has been grappling with the aftermath of a debilitating head stroke, further complicated by the ongoing war in Gaza. As a result, he now resides in a tent and struggling to cope with both physical and environmental hardships.

The circumstances have made it difficult for him to access essential medical care and necessary resources he so desperately needs.

My immediate concern is to evacuate my father and my family to a place of safety outside Gaza.

The harsh conditions and the constant threat of violence make it imperative for us to seek refuge elsewhere, away from the immediate danger.

Unfortunately, for the exiting Gaza, the only viable option for individuals holding a Palestinian passport without dual citizenship such as my family is to resort to special coordination, a costly endeavor 10,000 USD per person. This financial burden is particularly challenging as we are five family members stranded in Gaza. ( My two sisters and my parents and me )

For this I'm appealing for 80,000 USD

50,000$ for the special coordination to exit Gaza for 5 adult

30,000$ for my father's medical treatment and my family's basic needs upon settling in Egypt.

I'm reaching out to you, my friends and compassionate strangers, for your support in raising the necessary funds to facilitate this evacuation.

Your contribution can be the lifeline that ensures my father’s safety and the well-being of my family during these tumultuous times.

Please consider donating to our evacuation fund, and share our plea with your network.

Your generosity can help provide a new beginning for my father and bring my family to a place where we can rebuild our lives without the looming threat of conflict.

Thank you for your kindness and support in our time of need."

The Rafah crossing has been closed since May 6th

Despite this, we still hold on to hope for eventual evacuation.

Zaki is so kind, yet so strong and I admire that about him.

He has become my best friend, I feel like he understands me more than most people and he shares with me all the details of his life. I am so honored to be his friend. Zaki's mother, father and 2 sisters depend on us to survive and make it through this. Zaki is so humble and determined to take care of his family. I truly love him like a brother.

Once again, please share the link and donate if you can to help save my friend and his family. If you have any questions about Zaki or myself, or how the funds will be transferred to Zaki please DM me on Instagram @mamalunaflora where I make regular updates and content on his behalf.

Thank you!