Anas Al Borno lay on a thin mattress in a Rafah refugee camp, surrounded by his wife and children, when a message brought a glimmer of hope. After months of being unable to leave, the family was now eligible to cross into Egypt. The main travel agency had relaxed its rules, allowing Palestinians without foreign passports to cross the border, but the cost was steep—$18,000, far beyond Al Borno's means.
Struggling to cope after his business was destroyed in the war, Al Borno found unexpected help from a stranger 8,000 miles away—a Jewish graphic designer from California. Through a crowdfunding campaign, they raised most of the needed funds, enabling Al Borno's wife and children to cross a month later.
For many in Gaza, fleeing has become a desperate necessity after months of conflict. Thousands have turned to crowdfunding, raising over $75 million on platforms like GoFundMe since October 7. However, even with funds raised, leaving Gaza is fraught with challenges.
The Rafah border, the only land crossing not controlled by Israel, leads to a militarized zone in Egypt's Sinai Desert. Before the war, bureaucratic hurdles and border closures made crossing difficult. Since the conflict, prices have soared, with families reportedly paying up to $7,000 per person, more than twice Gaza's average annual income.
To raise funds, many have turned to social media, sharing their stories and seeking help. Strangers from around the world have sponsored campaigns, helping families like Al Borno's. Caroline Kuspa, a graphic designer from California, launched a successful GoFundMe campaign after connecting with Al Borno on Instagram.
Despite the funds raised, leaving Gaza remains uncertain. Egyptian border crossings are overwhelmed, with a backlog of over 80,000 people. Payment in U.S. dollars is required, a currency not easily accessible in Egypt. Even after payment, delays are common, leaving families stranded in refugee camps near the border.
As Al Borno waits for news of his family's safe arrival, he reflects on the difficult goodbye at the Rafah gate. With power outages, famine looming, and the threat of further conflict, his only solace is the hope of being reunited with his loved ones soon.