Support My Mother After the Tragic Loss of 8 Family Members

My name’s Shamikh Badra. I live in Sydney.

I am reaching out to you with a heavy heart and a plea for support my mother after the tragic loss of 8 family members and the destruction of our home. My family’s story is one of resilience, loss, and enduring hope for peace and safety.

My parents lived in Gaza, a place that has seen immense hardship. When I secured visas for them to come to Australia, I hoped to bring them to safety. My father, a survivor of the Nakba in 1948, had already faced unimaginable loss and displacement. He couldn't bear the thought of leaving again. In November last year, Israeli tanks attacked and destroyed our house in Gaza while my parents were inside. Tragically, on December 27, 2023, my father passed away due to the dire conditions of war—no medicine, clean water, or sufficient food. With no doctors or hospitals available, my mother was unable to save him. A friend helped her bury him in the backyard, as it was too dangerous to reach the cemetery.

Additionally, my brother Ehab Khalil Badra and his entire family have been missing for six months due to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. We have not heard from them since December 8, 2023. We were informed that their building was bombed, and all of them were killed.

The missing family members are:

1. Ehab Khalil Badra

2. Mohanad Ehab Badra

3. Sama Ehab Badra

4. Ayham Ehab Badra

5. Aya Ehab Badra

6. His wife, Salwa

7. His father-in-law, Talal

Now, my mother is alone in a destroyed home. She sometimes stays with neighbours to find safety and comfort. I am desperately trying to bring her to Australia for medical help. The journey is complicated and costly, covering fees for the Rafah Crossing, flights, hospital and accommodation costs in Egypt, and her stay and treatment in Australia.

We urgently need your help. The situation in Gaza is dire, and my mother is suffering immensely. Your generous donations will cover her essential expenses and provide immediate relief, such as food and medicine. With your support, we can ensure my mother receives the urgent medical care she needs and help her find a safe place for healing. Please consider donating today. Together, we can bring hope and relief to my mother.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

Sincerely,

Shamikh Badra