Mahmoud Shurrab’s goal had always been to spread happiness. His social media pages had long been popular in Gaza – he was known for his full -minded messages, his comic sketches on daily life and his game, appearing in local productions.
“I love creativity, whatever it is, and anything,” was pinned at the top of her Facebook page.
The War of Israel against Gaza put in the expectation of many dreams of Mahmoud, but his videos continued. He smiled through them, even making jokes – but the accent was now different: humanitarian aid.
Mahmoud has become a familiar spectacle in the travel camps, transporting bottled water funds and cooking oil, distribution of the baby formula and to help set up tents for families who had lost everything. He used his social media platforms to rally the support of donors abroad.
And he went from one area to another under the bombing, led by a conviction: “People need me, I cannot stop.”
On June 21, an Israeli air attack struck the tent where Mahmoud fell to Al-Mawasi, a so-called Israeli “humanitarian zone” west of Khan Younis southern Gaza. Mahmoud was killed in the strike.
The 32 -year -old man left his wife, Lama Shubeir, and their four -year -old daughter Dalal. At the start of the war, Mahmoud saw the opportunity to send them safely to Egypt, while he was behind to help the inhabitants of Gaza.
“He (sent us) to protect his daughter’s life,” Lama told Tel Aviv Tribune. “He was so afraid for her and wanted her to live like any other child in the world, safely. He wanted Dalal to grow safely. But I would never have imagined that we would be separated for a year and a half without seeing him again.”
Passion for charity
Mahmoud was born and grew up in Khan Younis, where he lost his father, Khamis, at the age of nine. Khamis was known locally for his charity work, which has become one of Mahmoud’s passions with comedy and game.
Everything stems from his desire “to make people happy,” said Lama.
The couple met for the first time in 2010 during a recreational trip, before getting married in 2019.
“Mahmoud liked to bring joy to people,” said Lama. “Everything he dreamed of was to build a happy life with us. People loved him for his simplicity and his desire to help. ”
It is therefore not surprising that Mahmoud chose to stay in Gaza when the war broke out, despite the risks.
“Whenever donors reached out … To support a charitable cause, he never hesitated,” said Lama. “I was always worried that he moves during the bombing, but he said,” People need me. I can’t stop. »»
His work of charity meant that he was more than just celebrity in Khan Younis – he was part of the community, sharing his joys and sorrows.
“Mahmoud was nice, tall and had a beautiful smile,” said Mousa Awad, a 27 -year -old woman, also from Khan Younis. “The simple fact of seeing him made us laugh. I saw it in each travel camp. When we needed drinking water, I called him … he came the next morning.
“He looked exhausted, but always talked about seeing his daughter soon.”
Love for his family
Mahmoud aspired to his daughter Dalal, whom he called every morning and every night if communication lines were not cut. He was happy to know that she had started preschool and swimming lessons – far from the horrors he lived in Gaza.
Only two hours before his death, he called, speaking for 50 minutes watching Dalal have breakfast with his mother. He had to end the call to focus on a water distribution campaign he planned.
Lama is struggling to accept that Mahmoud left.
“He was removed from his daughter and me,” she said. “I spent half of my life with him – through joy and difficulties. He loved our daughter so much. He dreamed of seeing her again, rebuilding Gaza, starting a new life. ”
“I have no words for the world. I only pray that this war ends. “
