Aunt Mona’s Last Days: Thank You for Giving Us More Time

Aunt Mona's life was cut short by the horrific war crimes of Israel

I am writing this with a heavy heart, struggling to process the loss of my Aunt Mona.

She was so much more than words can convey—a beacon of love, resilience, and tenderness despite a life surrounded by hardship.

Losing her feels like losing a part of myself.

She lived her entire life in Gaza. 

Despite the brutality of the blockade and oppression she managed to build a life of optimism with a focus on her husband Tayseer. 

He was her strength as surely as she was his strength. 

They did not have a lot but they had each other. 

When he passed it was like removing a foundation in a building.  

I wish I could tell you about her passions, favourite foods and music. 

I wish I could tell you the kinds of human stories that we tell when we reminisce about people we love to connect to them.

But among the many things that have been taken away by the occupation of Gaza was the ability for people in the diaspora to connect with their family at home.  

Even before this current nightmare, the occupation had taken away many things from the people of Gaza. 

During the late 90’s there was a feeling of optimism but it was short lived. 

The last year took away what little will Aunt Mona had to continue living. 

As a therapist I think long and hard about the deteriorating mental health of the people of Gaza. 

This past year was especially difficult for Aunt Mona.

Her mental and physical health deteriorated, and though I tried to stay connected with her, the blockade and occupation made it so difficult to be there in the way I wanted.

I often wonder about the things we missed—sharing stories, meals, and simple moments together.

She often refused to eat, barely able to get out of bed.

It’s hard to see someone you love in that state, knowing that the occupation and endless suffering had broken her spirit.

But in the midst of my grief, there’s something that gives me comfort.

Despite her deteriorating mental health we were able to provide, through the Elham Fund, some tremendous help under impossible conditions. 

The medication helped Aunt Mona tremendously and helped those who were caring for her.   

Perhaps because of the massive losses that Aunt Mona and family have faced, they have an acute sense of gratitude for what little they have and for what they receive from others. 

Even in those darkest moments, the Elham Fund gave me something I’ll never forget: time.

Time that I will always cherish.

Thanks to your generosity, we were able to provide Aunt Mona with the medicine she needed when hope seemed so far away.

You helped keep her comfortable, and you helped her family care for her during her final days.

The knowledge that people outside of Gaza cared about her, even from afar, gave her strength when she needed it most.

I can never thank you enough for helping us honor Aunt Mona’s life and legacy in this way.

You didn’t just help her; you gave our entire family a sense of peace, knowing we did everything we could for her.

Hammam Farah
Executive Director, Co-Founder
Elham Fund