In memory of Fajr, also known as Tina or Bunny

*Update 12/21/22: Several people have approached me saying that they've just heard of Fajr's passing and that they didn't get a chance to donate. For this reason, this fundraiser is accepting donations again.*

Hey all, my name is Alya and I'm starting this on behalf of the Gismalla and Vallejos families (her parents, Amani and Faiz Gismalla and her parents-in-law, Elizabeth and Jose Vallejos). On the evening of Friday December 2nd, Fajr left her parent's residence in Alexandria VA with her two kids, Fizon (8yo) and Zina (5yo), and was heading home. She resided in Southeast DC and was driving home and only a few blocks away when a black sedan was shooting at an unknown target and Fajr happened to be driving by. She was hit by a bullet and by the time the police and emergency units arrived at 8:20pm she was pronounced dead and taken to a nearby hospital. Thankfully, the kids were not harmed by the bullets or the crash after their mom was hit, but sadly they were in the backseat during the whole unfortunate event and watched everything unfold.

Fajr was a wonderful mother, daughter, sister and friend. She came into my life back in high school and became like the sister I never had. We had similar ideas and characteristics, were from the same country and around the same age and even looked alike to the point that people used to think we were twins and confuse us for each other. We often joked that we needed to get a DNA test. The bond we had was something that you would only come across once in a lifetime. She was loved by everyone who knew her and always had a smile on her face. She was a hard worker and did not let any obstacles stop her from doing what she needed to do. As a single mother of two, and the eldest out of her siblings, she had a lot on her plate and many responsibilities. She was the backbone of her family.

Our hearts are broken, she was and is so loved and will always be remembered, but everything happens for a reason. Maybe God wanted to relieve her burdens and didn't want her to deal with the stresses of this world, he loved her and wanted her by his side.

Part of the funds raised here will be used to help with the funeral expenses and the other part will be used for her kids that will now be raised by Fajr's parents. She made me the Godmother for her kids and I want to ensure that a trust fund or something along those lines is started for them, so I'll be the one withdrawing and distributing the funds. Once the date for the prayer and funeral service is decided, it will be shared here as well. Your donations are much appreciated and so are your prayers.

إنا لله و إنا إليه راجعون

يا ربي ترحمها و تغفر لها و تسكنها أوسع جناتك و تبعد عن أولادها أقدار السوء و أصحاب السوء و كل شر آمين يا رب العالمين