Would like to switch gears and post a request from my daughter (see below). Believe many of us got into the language industry to help facilitate global communication and bring the world closer together. What we are currently witnessing in Gaza is the opposite: forced starvation of children and families and the bombing and destruction of a country. Please help here-the money goes directly to a family in Gaza – Mike.
I’m reaching out with an urgent request on behalf of a Palestinian family currently still in Gaza.
I’m writing from New York City, where I’ll be turning 30 this November. Mohammed, born just three years after me, has been trapped in Gaza City since the start of the Israeli bombardment and blockade. In just the past three months, he has lost multiple nieces, nephews, siblings, and in-laws. A lifelong resident of Gaza City, Mohammed has witnessed the destruction of his childhood home and his family’s business. At only 26 years old, he has seen his entire world—one he could never freely leave—reduced to rubble.
Today, with the UN warning of imminent famine, Mohammed and his remaining family members are on the brink of starvation. In messages to us, he and his sister describe the skyrocketing cost of food and their fear that—even if they survive another night of bombings—they may not have the resources to survive the next day. Despite Israel’s recent claims that aid will be allowed in, as of May 22 (when I write this), none has been distributed.
This is a humanitarian catastrophe. And as global witnesses to this horror—this true shonda, as my people might say—we must acknowledge that governments are failing to act, and take matters into our own hands.
Your donation is a lifeline for Mohammed and his family. It will allow them to buy food to survive not only this moment of crisis, but to make it to a future where their joy, brilliance, and love can contribute to the rebuilding of Palestine. Their hope now lies in fleeing Gaza—a heartbreaking but potentially life-preserving step. This journey is costly and dangerous, but we can help them take it.
If you’re unable to give money right now, but have other resources to offer—maybe a vacation home you could raffle off for a weekend, event planning skills, a broad network you can share this ask with, artwork to donate for a raffle, social media reach, or anything else—please reach out. Alternately, if you’re doing fundraising or organizing of your own and want to collaborate, get in touch! We need each other now more than ever.
Let’s build a world where no young man has to bury his brother’s children or choose between abandoning home and staying alive.
With urgency and hope,
Claire
p.s. Attached please find a graphic you can share on social media. Here’s a link to our instagram where we are currently fundraising for Mohammed and one other family.