Westside Seattle has been reporting on the former Sealth High School exchange student Karam Saidam. As we reported he made it out of Rafah and into Egypt but his family has remained behind and are facing danger and uncertainty every day.

Karam could not leave Egypt since he could not get a work visa or offer of employment without a college degree. It did not matter that he was a straight A student both here and in Palestine.

He has reached out to Senator Patty Murray's office whose people have been sympathetic but have thus far not been able to expedite Karam's travel. He very much wants to come back to West Seattle.

The GoFundMe page established by his West Seattle sponsor Joslin Jane has risen to nearly $32,000 of the $50,000 goal. That money could help the family leave Rafah, but now that border crossing is closed. Karam's mother, Hazar shared a message about their gratitude for all the suppport the family has received and what they are now dealing with. She writes:

Hello everyone, this is Hazar, Karam's mom. 

I would like to express my utmost gratitude for all the help and support you have provided us the past few months. Our family is filled with gratitude from your generosity and kindness.

Before we could complete our registration to travel to Egypt, the IDF abruptly shut down Rafah Crossing and began urging people to evacuate. This sudden and unforeseen turn of events has left me feeling profoundly isolated and overwhelmed. I am grappling with profound uncertainty, questioning the safety of the area that Israel had previously directed people to, only to now request evacuation. This situation is deeply unsettling, and I am struggling to comprehend what lies ahead for my family and me.

At this moment, more than anything, I ask for your prayers for the safety and well-being of my children. Your support and thoughts are invaluable to us during this incredibly challenging time. It's important to note that Rafah, for those who may not be familiar, originally had a population of 300,000. However, due to IDF direction, more than one million displaced individuals have sought refuge there. Now, they are being asked to evacuate from Rafah.

Rafah border serves as Gaza's lifeline, and its closure due to the ongoing Rafah incursion has now persisted for the eighth consecutive day. The gravity of this situation cannot be overstated; it is incredibly dangerous and has led to disastrous consequences for countless people.

We evacuated and seeked refuge again, for the fourth time, in Dier Al-Balah. We are hoping that this nightmare ends soon so we could be safe again and rebuild our life.

Thank you so much for your support.