Our Vision
To alleviate the anguish of displacement while safeguarding communities against the threat of sanitary crisis.
Our Mission
To provide immediate relief to displaced communities in Gaza by offering essential sanitation and shelter solutions, including tents, toilets, community structures, and access to clean water.
Clean Shelter gUG is a grassroots humanitarian organization founded by two women: Seba Abudaqa, a Palestinian from Gaza, and Tom Kellner, an Israeli living in Berlin. Together, they launched Clean Shelter in response to the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the vision of providing clean water, Sanitation, and dignified shelter to communities most impacted by displacement and conflict. Clean Shelter is registered as a non-profit organization in Germany and operates with a deep commitment to locally led, community-based solutions
Our Story
We started out small - collecting donations for the construction of a few toilets in Al-Mawasi. But as weeks went by, we realized that many people are interested in supporting our work and wish, as we do, to provide essential aid and relief to displaced communities in Gaza; we received enough donations to build more toilets, then toilets with showers, and then take part in the establishment of IDP camps together with local partners. At that point, we formed a team of volunteers on the ground and began the lengthy process of registering as a charity organization in Germany, which was finalized in June 2024.
Since January 2024, Clean Shelter has established multiple IDP protections camps, procured and installed water desalination systems and constructed water infrastructure, providing aid to more than 150,000 displaced people across Gaza.
In short, we are a small, fast and flexible grassroots organization. Our team is able to reach displaced communities in Gaza in person and to offer real crisis relief in order to mitigate the devastating effects of displacement and war.
Meet our Team
-
Tom Kellner, co-founder, based in Berlin
Tom is an Israeli born literary scholar and cellist, a hard-headed feminist and a pragmatic idealist.
As Executive Director at Clean Shelter, Tom manages financing and donations, donor and media outreach, and social media.
-
Seba AbuDaqa, co-founder, based in Munich
Born and raised in Gaza, Seba obtained her degree in the West Bank, and works in community empowerment and sustainable development.
As Director of Operations at Clean Shelter, she oversees workflow on the ground, ensures needs are met to the best of her ability, and follows up on financial and administrative reporting. Additionally, she handles grants applications.
-
Hala Abu Assi, based in Gaza
As the General Coordinator for Clean Shelter in Gaza, Hala brings an educational background in chemistry, along with intensive training in program planning, financial management, and implementation.
-
Gali Blay, Based in Berlin
Born in NYC, raised in Israel.
studied Photography in Jerusalem and Social Design in Eindhoven (The Netherlands). She is a passionate film maker who works in the intersection of documentary storytelling and animation.
https://www.galiblay.com
-
Naser Abu Mostafa, based in Gaza,
Born and received his education in Gaza.
He works as a taxi driver and helps in day-to-day operation of Mesk and Layan.
-
Mariam Abudaqa, Based in Rammalah
Born and raised in Gaza, with strong connections in both Gaza and the West Bank, Mariam is dedicated to environmental and sustainability projects that bring Palestinians and Israelis together to address their shared challenges of climate change. Mariam volunteers with Clean Shelter, coordinating with vendors and authorities to support its initiatives.