STORIES FROM GAZA: Sameh’s Story

A Father’s Fight for His Family

In Gaza, the cost of war isn’t just measured in destroyed buildings or shattered infrastructure—it’s measured in the lives of families torn apart by violence. 

Sameh is a father from Gaza, raising three beautiful children: Hanan (11), Banan (10), and Omar (8).

Up until last October, Sameh, his wife Riham, their children, and his elderly mother were living a peaceful life. Like any other family, they had days filled with love and laughter.

But when the war broke out, their world was turned upside down. 

Their home was destroyed by Israeli attacks.

Sameh and his family were forced to flee, leaving behind everything they knew.

They found refuge in a tent in Rafah, where they’ve now endured months of extreme heat, unsanitary conditions, and the constant threat of danger.

Winter brought flooding into their makeshift shelter, and the summer heat, which reaches up to 39°C, makes it nearly impossible to find relief.

The flies and mosquitoes are constant, and the lack of clean water threatens their health every day.

But what keeps Sameh up at night are the needs of his children and his mother, needs that he can no longer fulfill.

Hanan, Sameh’s eldest daughter, suffers from severe allergies, which were worsened by the polluted air from the airstrikes.

She contracted a virus that made it difficult for her to breathe.

Thankfully, and through your generous support of the Elham Fund, we were able to provide Sameh with the essential medicine his daughter needed and financial assistance to help them get through this horrific time.

Hanan now has the medicine she needs to breathe easier, and Sameh’s family has vital resources they need to survive these unimaginable circumstances.

Sameh shared his story in the hopes that it would reach people who can help, people like you.

His words, his pain, and his love for his family echo through every sentence. 

And while his story is heartbreaking, it is also a call to action.

We can help Sameh’s family, and we can help others like them.

If you’d like to see more of Sameh’s story, he has graciously shared photos and videos of his life in Gaza on his Instagram (@Smh.omr1). 

And if you are able, please consider supporting the Elham Fund so we can continue to provide the relief that Sameh’s family and so many others desperately need.

Their survival depends on it. Their hope depends on it. And your generosity makes it possible.