*LastHopeForOsamaAndJulia

Dear friends,

I want to share an urgent update about Mohamed, Israa, Osama, and Julia. Given the rapidly worsening situation in Gaza, I’ll be providing updates weekly or biweekly, as we all need to come together to support this family during these difficult times. We need all of our kind community with us and them 🙏🏽

Currently, they have just enough food for this week, but supplies are running out fast. Food prices keep soaring due to closed borders and ongoing restrictions aimed at starving the population.

In light of this, we're trying a new approach: encouraging regular donations—weekly or monthly—to provide steady support for them and their extended family. Whether large or small, every contribution helps. Having a consistent source of aid will allow them to plan their finances and focus on surviving instead of constantly struggling to get by. This does not mean people have to stop giving whenever they can or in large amounts; we are just expanding the reach to include more people.

Right now, their needs are urgent. For a family of four with two small children, we estimate a minimum of $200-300 per week for food, plus $500 monthly in additional support for rent, medicine, and supplies. Winter is approaching, too, and they had to leave everything behind. They’ll soon need coats and warm clothing to keep safe and comfortable. These prices can and do change with exchange rates often hitting at 40% so please give what you can as extra to cover these fees 

Thank you all for your unwavering support. We are doing everything possible to stay prepared if they’re displaced again. Your compassion truly makes a difference in their lives.

With gratitude,

Michal Brooke Otts, along with Mohamed, Israa, Julia, and Osama Abu Samra

Dear friends,

I hope this message finds you well. My heart is heavy as I share an urgent update about my dear friends, Mohamed, Israa, Osama, and Julia. The situation they are facing is truly heartbreaking—what was once severe has now escalated to catastrophic levels. They are enduring a level of famine that is beyond what most of us can imagine. 

Mohamed and Israa are struggling to find enough food to eat, often going days without nourishment, all while saving the little they have for their precious children, Osama and Julia. The resources they desperately need, like clean water, flour, veggies, formula and diapers, are simply out of reach without our contributions. They are so weak from hunger that it’s a challenge for them to care for their children and search for the  food that is available. The water is contaminated, some markets are closing due to lack of supplies, and the minimal food/supplies that remain available  are prohibitively priced. They need everyone giving to be able to afford these things, as well as for evacuation when it becomes possible 

Tragically, there is enough aid waiting just across the border that could sustain these families for the next three months, but it is being denied access. It breaks my heart to see the family of my heart and my best friends suffering like this. 

I am reaching out to all of you with kind and generous hearts to help in any way you can. Every contribution, no matter how small, could be a lifeline for them. Please share this message within your communities, raise awareness about this dire situation, and contact your representatives to let them know that this cannot go on. 

The need for hope and solidarity has never been greater. Many of you have been incredibly generous in the past, and I’m asking you to dig deep once more. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this heartfelt plea. Your compassion means the world.

With love always,  
Michael Brooke, Mohamed, Israa

Dear friends and cherished donors,

I hope this message finds you in good spirits. I feel compelled to share an urgent update about Mohamed, Isra, Julia, and Osama—an incredible family facing unimaginable challenges right now.

Since March 2, aid has been unable to enter Gaza, and sadly, the region is experiencing a level five famine, the most severe classification. According to the World Food Program, food reserves are nearly exhausted, with only a handful of days remaining before supplies run out completely.

The humanitarian crisis is heart-wrenching, as so many are struggling for basic necessities like food, clean water, and medicine. Mohamed has suffered shrapnel wounds from the ongoing attacks, while Osama and Julia are dealing with serious health issues stemming from the lack of clean water. They are having to survive on just one meal a day, and the adults often go days without proper nourishment—an utterly unsustainable situation.

Although some food is available in Gaza, the prices are staggering, making it out of reach for too many families in need.

Additionally, the bombardment damaged Mohamed's phone, further isolating them during this critical time. Having a functional phone is not just vital for communication; it’s their lifeline for reaching out for help and sharing their situation with the world. I'm still able to communicate with a family member, but we urgently need to provide them with a new phone to ensure their safety and connection.

I’m sharing all of this to highlight the immediate need for assistance. We are looking to raise funds for some essential items:

- $200 for medicine

- $300 for formula and diapers

- $600 for a new phone

Every little contribution can truly make a significant difference in their lives. They remain hopeful for a brighter future and are incredibly grateful for the support they have received from all of you.

Thank you for standing with my family and friends during this profoundly difficult time. Your solidarity means the world to them.

With warm regards and heartfelt appreciation,

Michal Brooke Otts

Dear friends,

I hope this message finds you in well. I wanted to take a moment to share an update on Mohamed and his family. While they are currently alive at this present moment, they are enduring immensely terrifying circumstances. They are struggling without access to food, water, internet, and electricity. I'm here to act as a bridge between you and them, and your ongoing prayers and support would mean everything to them during this dangerous and heart-wrenching time. I'm in touch with a family member daily and closely monitoring their situation.

I deeply appreciate your kindness and concern for their well-being. The reality they face is incredibly precarious, and we are doing all we can to support them. Your compassion truly makes a difference. If I could ask you to continue sharing their fundraiser with your community, friends, and family, that would be invaluable. We need to ensure that Mohamed's story reaches as many people as possible so we can achieve our goal as quickly as possible.

Time is of the essence for them. They want to live, in safety and freedom, just like every human does. If you could extend to them your continued solidarity it would mean so much to us. Thank you again for all of your generosity

Warmest regards,
Brooke and Mohamed