URGENT: Support Our Family's Safe Escape from Gaza

Hello. My name is Samira and I have created this fundraiser on behalf of my brother George and his family who have been significantly impacted by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as a result of the resurgence of conflict on October 7, 2023. Below, I share his story.

I am George Qubti, a Palestinian Christian living in Gaza with my wife and children. I am an Electrical Engineer and pursued my degree in Athens, Greece. Outside of my educational years, I have lived in Gaza my whole life.

Just after the conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, we were instructed to evacuate our home. Little did we know, we would not be returning to the place that held our most precious memories. It has been over 154 days that we took refuge and shelter at the Church of Saint Porphyrius, and have feared our lives each and every day since.

Here is a photo of the little that remains of our home following the constant bombardment and airstrikes.

We are eternally grateful for the shelter of our Church. We thought this was the safest place to take refuge, but on October 19, 2023 while we were asleep, a bomb targeted the quarters where we were staying. This happened suddenly and without warning. My family and I were stranded under the rubble and had to be pulled out. The few belongings I had, such as my house and car keys and wallet, were not recovered. I sustained an injury to my left leg and have not yet received proper medical care due to the lack of resources such as clean water and medicine. That day, 20 members of our small Parish who were also taking shelter were killed, including members of our extended family.

While all of this tragedy was unfolding, it became increasingly difficult to stay hopeful that we would return to our normal lives and work. During the temporary ceasefire that occurred in late November, I was able to go and check on the family business, Al Qubti Electronics. I was crushed to find that the building was completely destroyed. Furthermore, my car, which was parked at the Baptist Church grounds, was also demolished. Now, it was clear that we had lost everything and would need to rebuild our lives from the ground up.

This is a snapshot of my business.

This is a photo of my car.

We were able to secure a temporary visa to Australia and pray that with your generousity and help, we will be able to gather the funds necessary to leave Gaza.

I dream of a better life for all of us. We graciously ask that lend a helping hand as we are in desperate need and seeking refuge and safety. Your contributions can provide us the means to rebuild our lives and offer us a glimmer of hope in these challenging times. Every donation, no matter how small, can make a profound difference for us. After facing such unimaginable hardship, we wish to live out the rest of our lives in peace.

With sincere gratitude,

George Qubti and Family