EMERGENCY: HELP EVACUATE MY FAMILY FROM GAZA

Once upon a December

Spoiler alert: My family’s story doesn't unfold with a charming and happy beginning. Nevertheless, readers and compassionate hearts, I leave it in your hands to determine whether the final chapter of the story concludes with the kind of closure that whispers "happily ever after."

As December 2023 approached, I couldn't help but hope that it would mark the end of the unfathomable chapter of the ongoing genocide in Gaza. In my mind, December had always been a month of closure, a time when the world collectively turned the page on sadness. Little did I know that in this particular story, the script would unfold differently. “Differently” as in “I lost my house, the only left memory from my dad, and my brother got sniped by an Israeli sniper in his leg while he was heading towards what remained of our bombed home, searching for flour or food if he was fortunate.”

This is Malak Zakout talking to you from a safe place, a blessing my family in Gaza hasn’t had the privilege to experience in the past 101 days. I am reaching out to you to help my family leave Gaza and make it to Egypt. I just want to make sure my family enjoys the most basic human right ever, THE RIGHT TO LIFE!

About my family:

We once were a radiant family of six, filled with love and warmth. Tragically, due to the denial of a permit by Israel for my dad to receive treatment in the West Bank in 2018, we lost him to cancer. Gaza not only mourns the passing of a beloved father but also grieves the absence of a dedicated doctor who could have made a difference during this heartbreaking period of aggression. And as much as I hate number 5, we became a family of five – comprising my wonderfully loving mother, three brothers, and myself. Subsequently, our tight-knit family of five faced another change when I was fortunate enough to secure a scholarship to pursue my Master's degree abroad. So, it’s just my mom and my three brothers now.

My mother, a dedicated housewife and nurturing parent, has lovingly cared for our family. My elder brother has recently earned his degree in engineering from Al-Azhar University of Gaza, while my second brother should currently be in his third year pursuing pharmacy. Unfortunately, my youngest brother, a bright soul who excelled in high school, hasn't had the opportunity to immerse himself in university life. The Israeli aggression began in the initial weeks of his academic journey, where he enrolled in management studies.

We have consistently led a decent and dignified life, always extending care to those in need. My father, in particular, was always providing free medical assistance to patients, even when they would appear on our doorstep late at night seeking prescriptions. Putting my family's story into words to seek donations for their exit from Gaza is a profoundly painful endeavor and it absolutely hurts every fiber of my being. This circumstance wouldn't be our reality if it weren't for Egypt imposing an exorbitant fee, which has now become around $10,000 to $11,000 per person, to leave Gaza. Trust me, as Gazans, the thought of permanently leaving our home is unimaginable, and under normal circumstances, we would never contemplate such a departure. Hopefully my family makes it to Egypt and as soon as the situation gets better, they manage to get back and rebuild the house once again. It’s worth mentioning that this fund-raising campaign is only to secure my family’s departure to Egypt.

It's very important that you know I've entrusted Jacqueline Williams, a dear friend of mine with organizing the GoFundMe campaign for my family, as the country I am currently in is not supported by GoFundMe. Once we reach our fundraising goal, she will facilitate the secure transfer of the funds to my account.

Expenses cutdown:

Egypt fees: $10,000 to $11,000 per person * 4 members = $40k to $44k

Add to that the 2.9% (plus an additional $0.30 per donation) GoFundMe would take and the fees on money transfer the bank would take. If any extra money, it is going to be used for visas and renuing documents and for the stay in Egypt.

The overall sum amounts to approximately $50,000. Considering the bank my friend is engaged with operates in British currency, the amount in pounds would be approximately 40,000.

If you made it to here already

Thank you for choosing to be a ray of hope in our lives.

With gratitude,

Malak Zakout