Desperate to flee the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, many Palestinians like Anas Al Borno have turned to crowdfunding platforms to raise money to cross into Egypt, their only way out. With the Rafah border being the main crossing out of the enclave, Palestinians have faced high fees to pay intermediary travel agencies and black market middlemen to secure their passage. Since the war began in October, prices for crossing the border have skyrocketed, with many families reporting paying around $7,000 per person, far more than the average annual income in Gaza.
Several Palestinians have managed to successfully crowdfund the funds needed to cross the Rafah border with the help of strangers around the world. A network of supporters from countries like the U.S., Canada, Switzerland, Sweden, and the U.K. have sponsored campaigns on behalf of stranded families. One such case is that of Anas Al Borno, who received financial assistance primarily from a Jewish graphic designer from California. With the help of crowdfunding, Al Borno managed to evacuate his wife and children, while raising money to also flee himself and other family members.
Rafah’s population has surged as thousands of Gazans desperate to escape the conflict aim to cross the border into Egypt. Travel agencies, which were previously only assisting Palestinians with immediate family holding foreign passports, expanded their services to all Palestinians in late January. However, the high fees and cash payments required by intermediaries posed challenges for many, who turned to social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to share their stories and request help. This online outreach triggered a wave of support and donations from people worldwide.
Among those who have successfully raised funds through crowdfunding is Abdullah Alqatrawi, who recorded videos showcasing his plight in the Palestinian enclave. After posting on Instagram, Alqatrawi saw a surge in donations and managed to evacuate his mother and siblings to Egypt. Despite the risks involved, individuals like Caroline Kuspa, a graphic designer from California, have stepped up to assist Palestinians in need. Kuspa connected with Al Borno on Instagram and launched a GoFundMe campaign after speaking with him and reviewing relevant documentation.
The blockade of Gaza since 2007 has left the Rafah border as the main access point to the outside world for residents of the enclave. Bureaucratic hurdles, mistreatment by border officials, and exorbitant fees have long characterized the process of crossing the border. With the escalation of the conflict in recent months, the number of Palestinians seeking to flee has risen, leading to a surge in fundraising efforts. Despite the challenges, the support from strangers around the world has provided a lifeline for many families trying to escape the violence and devastation in Gaza.
The stories of Palestinians like Anas Al Borno and Abdullah Alqatrawi highlight the power of crowdfunding and the solidarity of individuals worldwide in supporting those affected by the conflict in Gaza. While the journey to reach safety is fraught with obstacles, the generosity and kindness of strangers have made a significant impact in helping families evacuate to Egypt. The ongoing war in the Gaza Strip has forced many to seek refuge outside the enclave, and crowdfunding has provided a beacon of hope for those trying to escape the devastation and uncertainty in their homeland.
