There is another scam going on as well using GoFundMe - people asking for money to leave Gaza via Egypt even though Egypt hasn't allowed anyone to leave since May.
Many GoFundMe fundraisers were created well after Egypt closed the Rafah crossing, yet they still claim that the money would go towards paying (exorbitant) Egyptian fees.
"Lana" from Gaza started her GoFundMe in August, asking for money to leave via Egypt, and raised $20,000.
"Mosbah" started his GoFundMe in September, saying, he wants his family to escape Gaza. He's already raised $6,500.
Mahmoud Jehad says, "Your generous donations will assist me in leaving Gaza to pursue my education." he started the page in August. He's raised $3,700 so far.
Nareman is a fashion designer did manage to escape Gaza early in the war but now wants to bring the rest of her family - which she knew was impossible when she started her fundraiser in August. She raised $5,600 so far.
Mohran listed out why he was asking for $90,000 CAD in July after Rafah was closed - knowing these are not possible:
- $25,000: Travel expenses to Egypt for my family – The high cost is detailed in these sources: [VOA News](https://www.voanews.com/amp/egyptian-firm-offers-escape-from-gaza-for-5-000-a-head/7572715.html) & [Sky News](https://news.sky.com/story/the-price-of-freedom-the-company-making-millions-from-gazas-misery-13081454).- $5,000: GoFundMe's fundraising fees.- $5,000: Bank transfer fees for relocating to a new country.- $7,000: New Mac device including assets needed for work.- $24,000: Egypt allocation cost for 6 month~$4000 per month for 5 family members at least—contains food, medicine and rent and schools for the children’s.
If they were asking for money to survive in Gaza to buy food or rent a place to stay, there would be no problem. But they are telling donors that the money is going towards a goal that cannot happen because Egypt closed the crossing and has no plans to re-open it.
