In the midst of the ongoing fierce and unequal war on Gaza, its civilian population—children, women, and elderly—endures. Life in Gaza has regressed to a primitive state, with many residents attempting to escape, if their circumstances allow, in hopes of finding safety away from the constant threat of war. Thousands of displaced Palestinians have made their way towards Egypt through the Rafah crossing, the only land passage connecting Gaza to Egypt. This path, paved with death, tells the tale of displacement and exile, the third such forced exodus witnessed by the world without significant intervention.
Among them was Lara Jeries Sayegh, 18 years old, who lost her life while attempting to reach the crossing. Some succumbed to exhaustion on the long journey, while others fell victim to the occupation’s machinery during their search for a safe haven away from the war, the sounds of shells, and gunfire.
Lara and her family faced the harshest days of their lives. Like many Christian families, they sought refuge in the Latin Holy Family Church in the Gaza Strip’s Zeitoun neighborhood. Continuous airstrikes and the targeting of innocent civilians rendered their homes unsafe, transforming the city into a rubble-strewn shell devoid of all humanity.
We came to know Lara’s family through her brother Khalil, who has been living in America for years, seeking a better life and a secure future. He shared, “Two years ago, my younger brother Fadi, now 21, was diagnosed with kidney failure, requiring dialysis three times a week. With the onset of the war and the country’s deteriorating situation, dialysis sessions were reduced to two or even one. Shortages of medicine and medical supplies forced him to leave Gaza through medical coordination for chronic patients.”
Fadi was fortunate to be among those allowed to leave for treatment at Al-Salam Hospital in Egypt, continuing his medical journey alone, away from family support. Meanwhile, Lara dreamed of joining him, eager to resume her studies and embrace a future full of hope, love, and tolerance.
Finally, after enduring immense hardship, coordination for Lara’s departure was secured on April 24, 2024. Overjoyed, she embarked on what she believed would be her journey to freedom. However, tragedy struck as she collapsed during the perilous trek, succumbing to the unforgiving conditions of the path she hoped would lead her to safety. Her mother, Waafa, witnessed her daughter’s final moments, devastated by the loss.
Despite the dangers, Khalil described Lara and Wafa’s journey from Gaza to Rafah, where they had to traverse debris, pass the remains of martyrs, and navigate past Israeli tanks and low-flying aircraft, enduring a ghostly city for over four hours. What was normally a half-hour drive to the nearest town, Al-Zuwaida, turned into an arduous journey.
Heartbroken but determined, Wafa and Lara’s family pressed on, overcoming further obstacles and threats from occupying forces, eventually reaching safety with the help of friends in Al-Zuwaida. Unfortunately, Lara had already passed away upon arrival at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah.
Wafa, in shock and grief, refused to accept the loss of her beloved daughter. She remained at Al-Zuwaida, with her emotions and senses suspended in time. Her life halted at that moment, her thoughts forever tied to the journey and the tragic outcome.
Despite all odds, Wafa insisted on reaching Fadi in Cairo to support him during his critical time, determined to find solace in the hope that Lara’s remains would one day return to their cherished church and city.
