Help My Family Get Out of Gaza

Hi, my name is Basil Awartani and I am fundraising to help evacuate my friend Raed Al Baraqouni, and his family from Gaza. Please read Raed’s message below:

Dear Supporters,

I'm Raed Al Baraqouni, a 27-year-old accountant from Gaza with big dreams for the future. I had plans to start my own business importing frozen chicken to distribute in Gaza, and I was on track to build my own apartment above my family's house for independence. However, everything changed after the devastating events of October 7th.

My family and I have been displaced multiple times across Gaza due to the relentless bombings, leaving our dreams and memories shattered. We've endured unimaginable hardships, struggling to find even a tent to shelter us amidst the chaos and destruction.

Our once safe and happy homes are now rubble, and we long for the peace and stability we once had. Forced displacement has upended our lives, leaving us adrift in uncertainty and longing for the familiarity of our homeland.

With the ongoing threats in Rafah, we have made the difficult decision to evacuate in order to save our lives. I'm reaching out to you, dear friends, family, and compassionate strangers, to ask for your support in funding our evacuation.

The funds raised will cover evacuation fees, temporary shelter, and basic necessities for our family until we can establish a more stable situation. Here's a breakdown of the estimated costs:

- Evacuation Fee/Egyptian Coordination: $7,000 per adult person (5 adults)

- GoFundMe Fee: $875 (Approx. 2.9% of each donation)

- Extra living costs for a couple of months in Egypt

Total evacuation cost: $35,000

Your support, no matter the amount, can make a significant difference in helping us escape this cycle of violence and uncertainty. By contributing to this campaign, you are providing a lifeline for my family to rebuild, heal, and start anew.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for considering our plea. Your kindness and generosity will make a profound difference in our lives.

Warm regards,

Raed Al Baraqouni

(Our home reduced to rubble. October 2023)

(Destruction in our neighborhood, October 2023)