MATAR FAMILY trapped in GAZA

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Murad Matar, his wife, four children, and his parents lived in Gaza City. After Hamas-led militant groups launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Israel moved into Gaza to retaliate. Murad and his family were caught in the crossfire. Their home was destroyed. Miraculously, they survived and evacuated to central Gaza near a refugee camp. More bombing. The family moved south to Rafah.

Murad's family had planned to use the Hala Consulting services to cross into Egypt and resettle in Cairo. The crossing fees were quite expensive. For Murad’s family of four adults and four children the cost was $30,000. Murad’s friend, Joe DiGarbo, created a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $25,000. TVCC (Transylvania County Cares) contributed more than $5,500 toward the balance of the crossing fees.

On May 7, the Israeli army seized control of the crossing following an announcement by Tel Aviv of a military operation there. The border was closed and eventually destroyed. As the war continued, Murad moved again, heading north to Nuseirat. (Nuseirat is a refugee camp located in the central Gaza Strip, near the Mediterranean coast. It is situated just south of the city of Deir al-Balah.)

Murad says they are just trying to survive. He does not know ‘if’ or ‘when’ the Rafah border will re-open. 

In a recent message, Murad said, “I hope you can help me find a way out of this nightmare we are living. The massacre is ongoing and at any moment my children and I could be killed.”

He said, “I want to ask you and our friends in USA one request in case I am killed by this criminal army. Please do not leave the Palestinian people to face their fate alone. Please fight for justice for this people and to lift the injustice from them.”