Ibrahim Alagha and his wife Hamida, Irish citizens, along with their Dublin-born children, Sami, Eileen and Omar, were on an extended trip in Gaza visiting family when war broke out on 7 October 2023. Ibrahim shares his story of fleeing Gaza to his father’s farmhouse in Khan Yunis where he aided up to 90 people seeking refuge. Despite the constant danger and communication blackouts, Ibrahim’s story is one of faith, resilience and unwavering hope. He and his family were eventually evacuated via the Rafah crossing into Egypt and then safely returned to Ireland. On the eve of Eid al-Adha, the Muslim festival of sacrifice, Ibrahim reflects on how family celebrations this year will be bittersweet as they pray for the safety of those left behind and remember the lives lost.
