Gaza: Resilience and Hope, a New Start for a Family
Escaping Gaza and starting a new life for this family of seven, Imad asks for help. Will you give a little for this cause?
Wellington
There is a sense of urgency to escape the war in Gaza. Since October, no where in Gaza has been safe. War, famine, disease, breakdown in law and order… the daily scenes on the news have been unbearable to watch.
There is a way to cross out of Gaza into Egypt and beyond if you have enough cash to pay for border fees and friends on the outside world to help you. Heaps of people have begun fundraising for their family and friends to do just this.
Imad, a colleague of mine from when I worked at World Vision, Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza has approached me to help him and his family. They have been enduring the horrors of conflict and oppression for far too long, and now, are seeking refuge and a chance at a better life.
There are seven people in his immediate family - Imad who studied commuter engineering, his wife Hala, a Maths teacher, three kids (17 year old son, 13 year old daughter and 8 year old son), plus his elderly parents.
Imad says, "Your support will not only help us escape the horrors of war but also enable my children to continue their education and pursue their dreams of making a difference in the world. It will allow my parents to live out their golden years in peace and dignity, free from the constant fear and uncertainty they've experienced for decades.
We are immensely grateful for any help you can offer. Your generosity will not only change our lives but also restore our faith in humanity."
Jennifer Hammond's involvement (page creator)
Friends and former colleagues of World Vision Jerusalem, West Bank, Gaza. I worked there from 2006-2010. We have been in touch weekly since October and he has kept me updated on his situation.
Use of funds
Border fees for 7 people US $37,500 = roughly NZ $62,500
Accommodation Egypt 3 months US $4,500 = NZ $7,500
Give a Little fee 5%
*If they don't manage to cross the border, they will use it to rebuild their life in Gaza.
Further funds will be used for micro aid projects for local families.
Latest update
Lucky Escapes 13 September 2025
Just a quick update about Imad and his family. Imad has had a couple of lucky escapes in the last week.
Earlier this week he was helping his brother to move and they came under fire. A person helping them was shot in the shoulder. Fortunately, that person survived and was discharged from hospital within a few hours of being shot.
This morning I woke to a facebook message from Imad saying he and his family left their home in Gaza City to move to Deir al-Balah at 8 am Thursday morning Gaza time.
At 8.15 am the same morning the houses in his neighbourhood were bombed, including his home. Many of his neighbours were killed. Not unlike a lot of other people killed in Gaza these were civilians.
I have no words (it's a phrase I've used regularly with Imad, as he's talked with me about relatives and friends who have been killed).
Latest donations
Kia ora Emily, Thanks so much for the donation from the NZ Mutual Aid Fund for Gaza. I know Imad and his family will really appreciate this, they are able to do so much for their community. Jennifer
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