Trapped in a War Not Theirs

🆘️ Why this fund?

This campaign came to life urgently and out of despair, in response to the sudden outbreak of war between Israel and Iran. We haven’t collected many dramatic images, not because the suffering is less, but because those who care already understand the weight of this crisis. We choose action over aesthetics and hope you understand..

🤝 Who are we?

I am Dina Cheraghvand, an Iranian currently living in Germany and working as a dance movement therapist. I’ve lived here for about four years and decided to start this campaign with my husband, Ingmar. He is German and working as a Software Engineer.

From our experience, we know that things which are obvious in Iran are often not well known abroad – just as we don’t know all the everyday realities of other countries. So here’s some basic context, followed by an explanation of the campaign.

🧱 Why day laborers?

Tehran, a city of nearly 15 million, is home to thousands of daily laborers, men and women from Tehran and other provinces with fewer job opportunities and lower incomes, who take on insecure jobs without contracts, insurance, or formal support. Many live in shared dormitories or temporary shelters, earning just enough to survive.

Even before the war, they lived with economic hardship and invisibility. Now, they face a new level of risk. In crises like these, the most marginalized become even more vulnerable. These are the people who often go unseen – those with no representation, no resources, no voice. When tragedy strikes, their pain deepens in silence.

Among them are Afghan refugees who are legally forbidden from leaving Tehran or entering safer cities at this moment. They are trapped too. These are the people we are trying to reach.

💥 What happened?

Since Friday, June 13, 2025, Tehran has been under military attack by Israel. On that night alone, over 100 missiles struck the city, targeting mostly military installations and the homes of military leaders in the capital.

A war has broken out between Israel and the Islamic Republic, and we don’t know how long it will last – but we do know its effects will remain for a long time.
As in all wars, civilians have paid the price on both sides. Homes were destroyed. Lives were lost.

Foreign governments sent messages urging residents to evacuate – as if 15 million people could simply disappear. Some were able to leave: those with savings, family elsewhere, a car, or money for temporary safety. But many – including day laborers – had no such option for various reasons.

They cannot leave.

They cannot work.

They cannot survive without help.

Afghan refugees among them are further restricted by law. They can’t leave Tehran or enter so-called “safe” cities. These are the people we are fundraising for.

❗️Why only Iran?

This campaign is not political. We condemn all forms of violence and all civilian deaths, anywhere. But:

• We are personally connected to Iran.
• These people receive no support from the Islamic Republic government.
• People we know are in immediate danger.
• Iran is under heavy sanctions; money from abroad cannot enter through regular channels.
• These workers have no social safety net.
• We believe no one should die because they are poor or caught in the crossfire of political conflict.

💸 How will the funds be used?

Donations will go toward:

• Providing food, hygiene items, and basic needs
• Supporting individuals with rent, medicine, or transportation costs
• Helping families flee, if escape becomes possible
• Working with trusted local networks or individuals crossing borders

We are still determining which transfer methods are viable under sanctions. If exchange offices are open, we will use them. If not, we’ll find trusted couriers.

We aim to be as transparent as possible, while protecting the identities and safety of those receiving help.

💼 How to fund?

You can support by purchasing something on our upcoming blog: a story, a photo, a poem – metaphorically, and perhaps later physically.

This is not just about donations. As someone born during the Iran-Iraq war, Dina feels strongly that people shouldn’t be reduced to “war-stricken victims.” These individuals may have lived modestly, but they had jobs, routines, and dignity before this crisis.

So we imagined an alternative: you can support us by “buying” a narrative. In return, you may receive thank-you postcards. If the initiative grows, we hope to include small businesses, offering art and handicrafts – though delivery may take time, as everything will rely on personal networks.

This part of the idea began two years ago when Dina bought a piece of art from a struggling street artist via Instagram. They exchanged numbers and stayed in touch, but their schedules didn’t align, and Dina didn’t want to add pressure to an already difficult situation. As things got worse for him, she eventually let it go – and never received the artwork. Still, she feels she carries it with her.

In Iran, we’ve learned to manage impossible logistics through trust – because we have no other choice. It’s that same trust and solidarity we now hope to extend into a wider, international community. We just need to feel more connected.
For now, we’re using Dina’s PayPal Money Pool under the name “ignart,” which is also the name of the blog. We’re avoiding any more revealing names to reduce the risk of being blocked, and we kindly ask you to do the same. “Ignart” is a simple wordplay on “ignored” – turning something negative into something positive.

https://www.paypal.com/pool/9fVMujW2w0?sr=wcco

Let’s build this path together.

This is our first time launching such a campaign. We welcome your ideas and feedback. Help us build it together. Let’s believe that our collective power can go beyond the limits of platforms that exclude us.

What can be covered with how much money?

Expenses in Iran vary greatly and are constantly fluctuating. However, based on current estimates, around 400 euros can support a family of four for one month.
That said, our focus is on providing essential needs – such as food, hygiene items, and other basic supplies – which allows us to reach more people with smaller amounts. No matter how the funds are used, we will provide transparent reports on every step.

📷 Visibility and updates

To protect the dignity and privacy of those receiving support, we will not post personal photos.

However, we will:

• Document distributions wherever it is safe to do so
• Share anonymized updates
• Report on fund usage clearly and transparently
• Keep you informed through an upcoming Instagram and blog: ignart.blog
• Until then, we will post updates on Dina’s personal Instagram: @dinacheraghvand and through her community networks

Please feel free to share this message in any way you can.

Thank you for reading and standing with us.

With Love ❤️

Dina & Ingmar