My name is Marta, I am a humanitarian worker. I created this fundraiser to help Akram, my friend from Gaza, survive and if possible - escape the horror. 

I met Akram in 2011, when I lived in Palestine and worked for the Polish Humanitarian Action. A part of our aid projects were located in the Gaza Strip - the world’s largest open-air prison. Even back then, long before the current onslaught, the Palestinians in the enclave were subjected to a blockade - a form of collective punishment. It has always been extremely difficult to get out. But also, getting in and visiting this beautiful place and its people was a rare privilege. 

The Israeli military administration granted permits to enter Gaza only to some humanitarian workers, diplomats and journalists. The process of entering the strip was always complicated and unpleasant to say the least: the Erez crossing is a maze of corridors, gates, doors, where you are subjected to invasive questioning and personal searches. Once you are done with Israeli control, you have to walk for about 2 km through a fenced corridor. At the end of it all - there was always Akram - waiting with a welcoming smile and tea. His humanity and hospitality always stood in sharp contrast with the dehumanizing experience of the Erez border crossing. Initially, Akram had a small cart, but within two years he turned it into a  small shop and a proper coffee place. We have become friends and kept in touch ever-since.

After the current war started in October 2023 it is heartbreaking to follow Akram’s family life and see his spirit fading every day. With his wife, Akram raises six children. The youngest was born just one month before the outbreak of the war, and the oldest is 19. Under the falling bombs they had to leave their house and relocate already eight times. They lost everything they had. For over five months the family was stationed in one of the UNRWA schools with hundreds of other people. As this became too heavy for their children, they decided to move out and build  a simple makeshift tent shelter with no privacy, and than the story only got worse. Akram had to risk his life to cross the front line to get food for his family, and watch his family members, including dearest brother, being killed. The stress level is constant and extreme. Akram often time mentions that the death would be a better solution than staying alive. The family can’t escape from Gaza abroad since all borders are closed. The war is adding more and more trauma every day. Akram and his family live in constant fear and lack of basic necessities. Their finances ended, since his border cafeteria business got destroyed. Additionally, Akram suffers from a serious liver problem, and should urgently travel for treatment to Egypt.

Please look for updates from Akram and me in this fundraiser history. Thanks to people who donated we were able to send the geathered ammount to Akram’s family already twice, but unfortunatelly the funds ended and the family needs urgent help.

We are collecting funds to continue supporging Akram’s family survival in Gaza, so they can buy simple food, water, and continue education of their children. 

On behalf of myself and Akram and his family, I would like to convey our gratitude  for your support. Thank you for your compassion and humanity.