Focusing on what we can control
and, seriously, come to my birthday party.
The political climate is changing by the hour. We cannot know what is *actually* going to happen in the future. The statements made by the US and Israeli governments cannot be counted on as they may change on a whim. These are huge and devastating truths that, individually, we have no control over.
The lives of those in Gaza and the West Bank, however, are in turmoil, in a way that most of us in the western world can’t imagine or understand. My government may not recognize my gender; there may be situations in the future that are dangerous for me. But I have food and shelter and am not at risk of either of these things being bombed. So let us focus on something that we DO have control over: helping those in need.
Our financial support is the only thing providing those in the Gaza Strip with food, a roof or tarp over their heads, and hopefully, with the ability to rebuild their lives. Here are some ideas, because while we can’t all do everything, each of us can do something. This post from November 2024 highlights ways you can help if you have very little time to give.
When you have very little money to give:
Contributing consistently is very important. Families need ongoing funds for their continuing survival.
Give $5 once, or twice a month. Any amount at all is helpful. You can make your contribution anonymous. (If it’s too hard to choose who to donate to, DM me and I’ll send you a campaign in need)
Post the link to social media and encourage people to match your donation, or donate at all. This doesn’t mean you are virtue signaling, or patting yourself on the back for being a good person. Rather, it is proof to those paying attention that you are involved and helping. It is an encouragement for others who trust you to also get involved.
When you have more money to give:
Contributing more money, consistently, is very important! Every dollar helps, and unfortunately, in this capitalist society, more dollars help more.
Pick 3-5 families and contribute monthly. You can make your contribution anonymous. (If it’s too hard to choose who to donate to, DM me and I’ll send you a campaign in need.)
Consider hosting a fundraising campaign. This is far easier and less time-consuming than folks realize. The hardest part is setting it up, which doesn’t take more than an hour, and I’ve created this handy “how to” guide to walk you through it. Once enough money is accumulated (perhaps monthly, or every other month) wire that money to the family in Gaza. In doing this, you can cover the $40 transfer fee, and perhaps throw in some more to cover the 30-40% commission they pay to receive the funds.
Right now, Fatemh is a mother in Cairo that needs a campaign. She traveled to Egypt in late September 2023 to accompany her mother to surgery. When the genocide began she was separated from her 5 children and husband. Before the border closed she borrowed $8,000 to bring her 3 youngest children to Egypt with her. She needs someone to set up a fundraising campaign so she can help her 2 older children and husband continue to survive, as well as pay back the money she borrowed.
Raffles and other online fundraisers:
Poems — The sweet and talented Darla will send you 3 hand-selected poems per month. Some will be originals, some found, some hand-written or typed, etc. A minimum of $5 donation is requested. Send a message to [at]melancholy_leopard on Instagram, with your name, address, and venmo or cashapp handle (these will be used to request the monthly donation)
You can also send me this info and I will give it to Darla for you.
Bag Raffle — There are 2 very adorable quilted bags available for raffle.
Photo sale — An artist, writer, and father, Mohammed has spent the last decade capturing both the beauty and devastation of his home. His photos are filled with moments of serenity, joy, and tenderness, and they speak volumes to the wondrous and full life he has led. To purchase a print, DM @mohammedalmasriart with the following info: name of the photo, size, payment amount, and payment method.
You can also give me this info and I will give it to Mohammed for you.
Raffle for Maria and Lana — So many amazing artists and creators have contributed in support of this mission, and if you donate you have a chance to win these incredible offerings! There is something for everyone here, and we hope you will be able to help. Once you have donated, please send proof of donation and your preferred prize bundle for your entry to @camrynchimera
Prints — All funds from this project will be donated to her gofundme campaign. Offerings are a print and a card, all carved and block printed by Brianna Vizcaino
Print: 10” tall x 11.5” wide
$33 - $55 sliding suggested donation
Card: 4.25” tall x 5.5” wide (blank inside, comes with envelope)
$7 - $9 sliding suggested donationPayment accepted via Venmo to Brianna-Vizcaino or send me a screenshot of your donation to Maryam’s gofundme, and I will send on your behalf.
PDX in-person fundraisers:
RSVP here for my joint birthday party with Bara’a!
There will be manakesh za’atar made by yours truly, a friend will be making arab roasted nuts, and we’ll have tea! There will also be a very cool raffle.
Highlighted item:
Start each morning with strength and an eye always toward growth and liberation with this cutie lil mug featuring a poppy and a quote originally from a poem by greek poet Dinos Christianopoulos published in 1978, and used now to describe the resistance of indigenous peoples the world over. Art is my own, proceeds go to my friends in Gaza.