In October 7, 2023, Yusef Mahmoud, a Palestinian taxi driver, decided to take action against the prevalent issues of unemployment and hunger in Gaza. With more than two million Gazans lacking access to clean water and proper sewage system, Yusef turned to the online community for help during Ramadan of 2023. With the support of Bitcoiners like Fumble, Yusef was able to start a project on Geyser, a global Bitcoin crowdfunding platform, to raise funds for providing food and water for those in need. As the conflict in Gaza intensified in the following months, Yusef’s project expanded to support more families.
Due to the military occupation in Gaza, 85% of the population was displaced, leading to increased poverty and unemployment. Yusef’s project shifted focus from supporting families during Ramadan to providing essential supplies for civilians in need. With the help of more than 1,500 donors, Yusef was able to provide food and water to 20,000 families in Gaza, including 500 orphans. Through Bitcoin donations, Yusef continued to source supplies and help those affected by the conflict, navigating financial challenges imposed by the Israeli shekel and restrictions on financial transactions.
The economic situation in Gaza became more dire with widespread displacement of families and limited access to essential supplies. Yusef faced challenges in obtaining supplies due to military restrictions and delays at borders, but his determination to help those in need kept him going. Despite the obstacles, Yusef managed to secure a large donation in Bitcoin that allowed him to purchase supplies for the community. With ongoing support from donors, Yusef continued to provide aid to displaced families and children in Gaza through his project on Geyser.
Yusef’s commitment to helping his community in Gaza is reflected in his daily efforts to source supplies and provide aid to those in need. With the assistance of Fumble, Yusef shares updates on the project on Geyser, demonstrating transparency and credibility to donors. Despite the challenges faced by civilians in Gaza, Yusef remains hopeful for a return to normalcy and continues to work towards meeting the immediate needs of the community. Bitcoin donations have become a lifeline for Yusef, allowing him to support families one day at a time and make a tangible impact on those affected by the conflict.
