The war in the Gaza Strip has left many Palestinians desperate to flee, and thousands have turned to crowdfunding platforms to raise money to cross into Egypt. The Rafah border is the main access point for Gazans seeking to leave the enclave, as Israeli-controlled crossings are more difficult to cross. Before the war, Palestinian faced bureaucratic hurdles and mistreatment by border officials when trying to enter Egypt, but the situation has worsened since the conflict began. Travel agencies and black market middlemen help expedite the process for a fee, with prices reaching as high as $7,000 per person post-war.
To raise funds to cross the border, many Palestinians have launched crowdfunding campaigns, but face challenges such as the requirement of a U.S. bank account to start a GoFundMe campaign. Despite these obstacles, many in Gaza have used social media platforms to share their stories and solicit donations. Kind-hearted individuals from around the world have sponsored campaigns for families they have never met, providing much-needed support to those stranded in Rafah. A Jewish graphic designer from California, Caroline Kuspa, connected with a Palestinian man in Gaza through Instagram and successfully raised over $46,000 to help his family members evacuate.
Even as Gazans grapple with the challenges of raising funds to leave the war-torn area, many have found innovative ways to attract donations. Some individuals have resorted to traveling further into the conflict zone in search of better cell service to post videos and share their stories. Abdullah Alqatrawi, a recent college graduate, has raised over $15,000 through a campaign managed by individuals in Belgium and was able to evacuate his mother and siblings to Egypt. The online community has played a crucial role in supporting those seeking refuge from the violence in Gaza.
The expansion of eligibility by travel agencies to provide services to all Palestinians in late January ignited a rush of people trying to raise funds to pay the high fees charged by coordinators. Families like that of Anas Al Borno, who had to leave his wife and children behind, have been forced to get creative in raising the necessary funds to secure their escape. Despite facing financial and logistical obstacles, many Gazans are driven by the hope of finding safety and stability for themselves and their loved ones. The generosity of strangers from around the world has provided a glimmer of hope to families in a desperate situation.
The situation in Rafah has been further complicated by Israel’s plans for a ground offensive in the area. The bordertown has been hit repeatedly by airstrikes, adding to the urgency for families seeking to leave. The crowded and volatile environment in Rafah has made the process of evacuation fraught with challenges, but the support of compassionate individuals from distant countries has offered a lifeline to many. As families navigate the complex and costly journey to safety, the solidarity and generosity of strangers have helped alleviate some of the burdens they face in their quest for a better future.
