Hamilton group raises funds to support families facing crisis in Gaza

A local Hamilton group is raising funds to help those living through what is being called a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. A ceasefire was brokered by the U.S. in October, but danger looms for those living there.

Through a personal connection with the group, Hands Across Hamilton set a goal to raise $3,000 to help two families and a school in Gaza.

The idea for today’s fundraiser came through a personal connection to Layan and Batoul, both living in Gaza. The raffle and vendor market will go towards helping their families and a school in Gaza.

“The idea started because we wanted to provide an opportunity for newcomers who have arrived in Hamilton from Gaza and have started small businesses, to provide them with a venue and a space to showcase their goods,” said Leila Handanovic from Hands Across Hamilton.

“It is very important for us to raise awareness of what is going on in Palestine where people are under occupation looking for freedom and to live in peace,” said Mohammed Musallam, owner of 48 Embroidery.

Musallam owns 48 Embroidery, a family owned business selling crafts and ceramics from Palestine. Musallam still has family there and feels lucky to have visited before the destruction in his birth city.

“I was lucky to see, just the last time, my city, because it’s destroyed completely. I still have cousins, friends, neighbours, all my memories in Palestine,” said Musallam.

“Hour by hour a lot of bombs happen, a lot of people die in just one, two hours,” said Nedaa Yansoona, owner of Yansoona Baked Goods.

This was Yansoona’s experience before she left Gaza to come to Hamilton. Yansoona lived in 20 different places, often with strangers trying to flee the violence. This while pregnant, with her husband and two-year old daughter, leaving her extended family behind.

“I hear on the news that there is a bomb in the place where my family is. I lost my niece, I lost a lot of family there. It was very hard,” said Yansoona.

Between today’s market and the raffle, Hands Across Hamilton raised $10,000 so far. If you would like more information on how you can help, visit their Instagram page.

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