This campaign has been created to keep a small family in Gaza fed during an ongoing genocide. I am ashamed that my own country is enabling this violence. While I can't stop it on my own, I can certainly resist it. You are cordially invited to join me.

Six months ago, after posting an Instagram video of a protest I attended, my attention was captured by a young woman in Gaza, Heba. She had begun searching for outside support, through social media outlets, to find donations for her GoFundMe campaign. This is a practice that countless families in Gaza have adopted over the past year. I chose to donate to her campaign in lieu of a nonprofit organization. Footage of Israeli settlers hurling food parcels off of aid trucks led to be believe that my donations would have ended up scattered on a random highway. I concluded it would be better to give directly to an individual. Surely, she would make good use of the funds.

Over months of time, I, among a whole group of patrons, have been giving to Heba's family on a routine basis. In turn, Heba has sent us messages and pictures of hand-made illustrations by her talented, 11 year old sister, Jana. These pictures have come to serve two purposes. First and foremost, it's an indicator that their family is okay. Second, it provides a conversation starter for her followers. Most viewers will use it as a chance to praise her new work and ask about her health. It's been a profound experience at times. This has been especially true when we receive word of bombings around Heba and Jana's home.

At my most frustrated, I've been filled with anger at the sight of visceral scenes left in the wake of a bombing. Innocent people killed, injured, and traumatized for no reason other than existing in a place at one given point in history. To address these thoughts, I've elected to support Jana and Heba over time along with all of her other patrons. This article of clothing features one of Jana's artworks, a personal favorite of mine.

Jana's hand-drawn tent exemplifies Palestinian resilience and their ability to carry the dream of a free state with few resources in hand. A Palestinian flag flies over her tent as a small fire keeps its occupants warm. Fire, shelter, and hope. Three key elements of Gaza's perseverance story. For this design, I've added a classic quote from Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish, "On this earth, there is that which deserves life." That quote came at Heba's request.

Please share Jana's wonderful artwork and help her family all in one go. Please consider purchasing an article of clothing from this fundraiser. I know Heba and Jana would be grateful for it. They always are.

If you would prefer to give directly to her fundraiser, you can do so here.

For Heba and Jana

Thank you.