
Gofundme Gaza is a platform that has become a lifeline for many Palestinians in Gaza. It's a way for people to raise funds for basic necessities like food, water, and medical care.
The platform has seen a significant increase in campaigns from Gaza, with over 50% of campaigns being launched by individuals or organizations from the region. This is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the Palestinian people.
Many campaigns on Gofundme Gaza are focused on providing essential services like food and water, with some campaigns aiming to raise funds for specific items like generators and medical equipment. For example, one campaign aimed to raise $10,000 for a medical center in Gaza.
The platform has also been used to raise funds for educational initiatives and community projects, highlighting the importance of education and community development in Gaza.
Check this out: Gofundme Examples Medical Expenses
Crowdfunding for Survival
Mahmoud Jehad's family is displaced in Deir al-Balah, living in a makeshift tent with no access to basic necessities like water and electricity.
The airstrikes destroyed his home in Khan Yunis and his personal computer, which he relied on for studies and staying connected with the world.
Mahmoud's father is sick and his brother is undergoing treatment, leaving him to care for his family while struggling with his own challenges.
He has been without water, electricity, and access to healthy food for the past 10 months.
Mahmoud created a GoFundMe campaign to seek support for leaving Gaza to pursue his education.
Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in his life.
Your kindness can help Mahmoud turn his dreams into reality and bring hope to a shattered future.
The funds will assist Mahmoud in leaving Gaza to access better educational opportunities and safety.
Mahmoud believes knowledge is the key to rebuilding not only his life but also his community.
He has a degree in Information Technology that he wants to complete outside of Gaza.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Gaza Gofundme Scams
Investigating GoFundMe Campaigns
GoFundMe campaigns for Gaza have raised millions of dollars, but there's a catch.
Some campaigns have been shut down for violating GoFundMe's terms of service, which prohibit fundraising for individuals or organizations that promote violence or hatred.
GoFundMe has a 2.9% fee on donations, plus a payment processing fee of 1.9%, which can add up quickly.
A significant portion of donations go directly to the intended recipients, but the fees can still leave a substantial amount for GoFundMe.
GoFundMe's terms of service require campaigns to be transparent about how funds will be used, but some campaigns have been accused of misrepresenting the truth.
Donors should be cautious and do their research before contributing to a GoFundMe campaign.
Life in Gaza
Life in Gaza is marked by poverty and unemployment, with over 50% of the population living below the poverty line.
The Gaza Strip has a population of around 2 million people, with over 70% relying on international aid to survive.
Basic necessities like food, water, and electricity are scarce, with many families struggling to access these fundamental rights.
The unemployment rate in Gaza is a staggering 53%, with many young people unable to find work due to the ongoing blockade.
Gaza's healthcare system is severely underfunded, with a shortage of medical supplies and equipment, making it difficult for patients to receive the care they need.
Despite these challenges, the people of Gaza are resilient and determined to rebuild their lives and communities.
Challenges and Uncertainty
Despite the rising popularity of crowdfunding as a means of aid, many campaigns remain underfunded. 24-year-old Noor Hammad's GoFundMe campaign has raised just $2,580 out of the $27,000 needed to help her escape Gaza.
Even when campaigns raise enough funds, other challenges persist in ensuring Gazans can access and receive the money. Western governments' sanctions against Hamas require crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe to comply with extensive information requests, which can slow aid efforts.
Organizers and donors have been dealing with "heavy-handed moderation" and "inconsistent policies" due to these new regulations. In response, GoFundMe issued a notice explaining how organizers could get around the extra red tape and avoid delays.
The means through which money is transferred to Gazans is also complicated, with wire services like Western Union operating in the besieged territory, but often unreliable. A more viable option is to have the money sent to someone outside Gaza who can withdraw the cash and travel to Egypt.
Tareq's family, who raised $20,000 to leave Gaza, are now facing new challenges in finding the money to relocate to Canada. They hope to re-enroll in school to complete their education, but the cost of visa applications, flights, and other expenses is daunting.
The GoFundMe campaign that helped Tareq's family evacuate Gaza has given them hope for the future, but the circumstances in Gaza remain dire. Many Gazans continue to lose everything, including their homes and livelihoods, and are forced to rely on crowdfunding to survive.
A different take: Gofundme Livonia Family
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best charity to donate to for Gaza?
For Gaza aid, consider donating to UNRWA, Palestinian Red Crescent Society, or Islamic Relief, which have a proven track record of providing essential assistance. These reputable organizations can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.
What is the best way to help Gaza?
To help Gaza, prioritize the safe release of hostages and deliver essential aid, including food, medical supplies, and fuel, to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. This immediate support can be a crucial step towards a more sustainable solution for the region.
Sources
- https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-mahmoud-and-his-family-escape-gaza-continue-education
- https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-806646
- https://themedialine.org/top-stories/gazans-turn-to-gofundme-to-raise-money-to-escape-war-but-face-other-challenges/
- https://gmufourthestate.com/2024/03/30/palestinian-student-creates-go-fund-me-to-help-family-in-gaza/
- https://time.com/6960367/gaza-gofundme-justgiving-crowdfunding-israel-war/
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