VPol
After pro-Palestine philanthropist Fergie Chambers’ arrest, people in Gaza are panicking on how they’ll raise donations for fundraisers, as Chambers has likely been the largest individual donor to Gaza fundraisers, whether to personal GoFundMe’s or grassroots humanitarian aid groups. ￭ This isn’t about one person being a savior. It’s the reality on the ground in Gaza that life depends on donations from outside, as the Israeli siege intensifies, UNRWA is gutted of funding, and a few thousand dollars to a GoFundMe can make the difference of life or death. ￭ The Sameer Project (@sameerproject) said “Fergie’s donations are the reason we have a bakery that feeds thousands of people per month. His funds also helped provide meals, water and medication for displaced Palestinians. Now he’s being persecuted for this. Advocate for Fergie’s release now!” ￭ A solidarity fundraiser (@oct7_apr14_oct1) posted, “Fergie has been covering the costly medical care for this Gazan evacuee in Egypt who needs $8000 every two months to prevent kidney failure. If Fergie is imprisoned she can die of kidney failure like her little sister did! Her life depends on Fergie’s help.” ￭ Wissam Shabat (@wissamshabat), the brother of martyred journalist Hossam Shabat, said, “Fergie and Stella (his wife) have been the main reason a lot of families in Gaza can afford the basics everyday. I have seen the help they give. Direct support to starving families and they are persecuting him for it. Full solidarity with Fergie and shame on those who slander him. Will YOU step up and support us now? We have lost a giant but we can get him back. SPEAK UP. We love you Fergie from Gaza.” By @CallaWalsh