Support Tazal Shawa’s family in Northern Gaza

Lana Shawa Savoca is fundraising for her relative Tazal Al-Shawa’s family consisting of 10 members: the grandfather Hamdi and the Grandmother Tazal, the eldest son Hamdan, married to Hanan, their children Hamdi, Amir, Amira, Lara, Daughter-in-law Zakia and her son Yahya. Tazal Al-Shawa is the first cousin of Lana Shawa Savoca’s father, Omar Shawa. Lana Savoca is an American residing in Connecticut; all funds raised will be wired to Tazal, and will go to purchase food and supplies to support the family. Once the borders open, we pray we can raise enough to rescue them and pay the Egyptian Hala Company to transport the family to Egypt. Please share, donate and pray for this family and all the people of Gaza that are suffering so much.

Tazal Al-Shawa, Age: 63

My family and I were living peacefully, like all Palestinian families, although life under occupation never brings true peace, quiet, or stability. Then, on October 7, 2023, we woke up to the sounds of explosions, just like everyone else in Gaza. On October 27, as evening approached, we were sitting together as a family, drinking tea, when an F-16 dropped a bomb on our relatives' house. The bomb weighed tens of pounds, if not more. Over 15 people were martyred, and dozens were wounded, including my son, who was trapped beneath the rubble. His daughter, my daughter-in-law, and her child also sustained injuries. If not for God's mercy, they might have been among the martyrs as well.

Little Amir, hurt in recent bombing.

We were displaced to another house, only for several homes nearby to be bombed again, leading to even more martyrs. When the Shuja’iyya and Tuffah neighborhoods were invaded, we were trapped with some relatives for a month under relentless aerial and artillery bombardment. Many people around us were killed. We ran out of food and water and were forced to collect rainwater, boil it, and drink it. The children and us survived on one meal a day, sharing a single loaf of bread. Those were truly difficult times.

Grandmother Tazal (in background) with her son Hamden and his two children Hamden and Amir

Eventually, we decided to return home and try to restore whatever we could to keep living. But winter is coming, and we have no windows, no plastic sheeting, or any protection from the cold and rain. We have been displaced from our home more than seven times now.

Where our beautiful home once was

My eldest son lost his home in the war. His apartment was destroyed by Israeli missiles. Now, he lives with us, along with his wife and four children. His brother's wife and her child also live with us, as her husband is outside the Strip.

My granddaughter Amira injured in the bombing that targeted our relative’s home. She was under the rubble. If not for God’s care she would be a martyr like so many of our family.

Our darling Amira, still suffering from injuries.

We pray every day for this war to end soon. I have lived through the wars of 1967, 2008-2009, 2014, and 2021, but this war is unlike anything before. The destruction, the killing, and the massacres have devastated every aspect of life.

Our joy Yahya, innocent and sweet from happier times

Each day we live in constant fear and anxiety, unsure of what will happen next. We still face shortages of water and food, and what little is available is priced beyond what we can afford.

When you see our grandchildren, please think of your own.

Our precious children during happier times

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting Tazal’s family, whether it’s through prayer, donating or sharing this fundraiser. We are so grateful for all of you. God bless you!