For those who don't know, Rafah Crossing is closed. Meaning Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are technically not allowed to go into Egypt through Rafah Crossing (with exceptions, like holding a foreign passport) so in order to evacuate, Palestinians need to bribe Egyptian border security officials. The standard price used to be about $5000 - 7000 per person but some Palestinians have been told to pay $10,000 per person just to cross the border, forget other expenses like food and boarding.
For a group of people who are enduring genocide and the complete destruction of their homes that money is impossible to raise without the help of fundraising. That and the collapse of the UNRWA is the reason you're seeing so many Gofundmes nowadays. The entire aid system is gone with the exception of local aid organisations that have limited reach.
So if you see a credible fundraiser, please at the very least share it so it can reach more people. This list by @el-shab-hussein is a good place to start.
Because of the dire situation and famine in North Gaza, our friend Hussam from Rafah decided to keep helping by directing 20% of all donation (starting March 11) to Mahmoud AbuSalama and his team in the North who were able to buy all what you see in his video above. So far, he received $5000 since Ramadan started.
Both Hussam and Mahmoud are so grateful and humbled by your continuous support which is helping so many families in the North and the South. Let's keep up the pace everybody!
Please note that Ramadan target of $50k started the first day of Ramadan on March 11 and the first $100k was donated and spent throughout the couple months before Ramadan.
HelpGazaChildren Notion Site || #helpgazachildren tag
Paypal Link || GoFundMe Link
[Quick ID: video of Mahmoud Abusalama as he describes the items he managed to buy through donations from helpgazachildren.]
FundsForGaza is a page of a rotating list of fundraisers for Gazans - individuals and families who are in Gaza right now and facing genocide.
It is explained in more detail in this post from the official instagram account, but to quickly summarise, six verified fundraisers are highlighted at a time, allowing you to provide direct support without being overwhelmed by the amount of fundraisers, worrying about outdated information, or falling for scams.
Sharing this link and, if you are able to, donating even one dollar to one of the fundraisers listed will make a direct difference.
Don't think we haven't noticed how people slowly tapered off their support for Palestine or their action for Palestine.
Palestine is not a trend, it's not the cause of the week. Its been occupied for a century. You don't just get to dip your toe in and leave. Prove with action that you're more than just a random with a Free Palestine in your bio. Keep talking about Palestine. Keep posting about Palestine. Keep donating. Keep protesting. Keep making noise. Keep agitating.