Youssef has been communicating with Erin and I on a daily basis when internet connection allows. He has been a lovely and optimistic human despite the horrors that have been going on. He brings so much joy and hope making the world a better place. Everyday, we hope for his safety.
This fundraiser was originally set up to help fundraise money for Youssef and his family to be allowed at the Rafah-Egypt border crossing. Although his wife and child made it safely to Egypt, unfortunately there wasn’t enough funds raised for Youssef to leave on the same day. Right after that, the Rafah-Egypt crossing was sealed off by the Israeli military. This means that nobody can get out of Gaza and no humanitarian aid can get in by land. This is resulting in food being very hard to find and prices ramping up increasing the famine. Youssef, and everybody in Gaza, are being starved and sheltering from the continued bombing hoping to survive.
Tanks and planes of the Israeli military have been bombing closer and closer. Recently, in moments of calm, intense aerial grenade and live bullets were launched in Nuseirat where Youssef was sheltering alongside more than 85 thousand people. The Israeli military slaughtered at least 274 Palestinians and wounded nearly 700 in the raid in Nuseirat refugee camp. These attacks are heartbreaking and traumatic. We also are so thankful Youssef survived the massacre and relocated somewhere else, but nowhere in Gaza is safe.
We have already successfully sent funds to Youssef, and are continuing our efforts to raise money so that Youssef can afford the scarce food and water. We urge people to continue sharing and donating to this fundraiser to help him. Not only do we want to fundraise so that Youssef can get food and water, our hope is also to continue raising money so that by the time borders reopen, there is enough funds for Youssef to evacuate immediately and reunite with his family.
We also urge people to take action to pressure the government to drop enough aid from the air in Gaza and most importantly, to pressure government officials to end this genocide of Palestinian people.
Image: Selfie of Youssef, a Palestinian man, surrounded five palestinian children trying to fit in the frame of the selfie.