Friends,
Kamal Almashharawi went days without food as he and his family sought safety from tank shells and airstrikes.
“All around us were shots and explosions. The roads were full of sand and sewage and bodies,” he wrote in the New York Times. “All the kids in my family were starting to get sick. We simply had nothing to give them.”
The peace and coexistence advocate eventually secured safe passage into Egypt with some family members. It was an “excruciating” situation, leaving behind loved ones to face the continued horrific daily reality of starvation, war and death.
Tomorrow, Kamal and his sister Majd will join J Street for a conversation about their family’s experience and what drives them forward. The siblings – who have been deeply engaged in peacebuilding, conflict resolution and community development – remain committed to building a better future for Palestinians and Israelis alike.
Register now, and don’t miss out on these two deeply moving, inspiring speakers >>
In a recent interview with Ali Velshi on MSNBC, Majd described their escape from Gaza as a bittersweet miracle – thousands remain trapped, unable to flee, as the situation grows even worse.
The siblings grew up in Gaza, where they pioneered a groundbreaking solar company called SunBox, which provides Gazans with renewable energy for their homes amid blackouts and outages that are not limited to wartime. Majd, SunBox’s founder, said that even before the war, hot water, a charged phone and lights to study under were a luxury.
Kamal is an alumnus of the Seeds of Peace coexistence program, studied peacebuilding and international relations at university, and traveled to Belfast, Northern Ireland to meet with those involved in the Good Friday Agreement.
“I know the world can be better. I’ve seen how people in other conflicts have worked toward coexistence, and I know that one day I will work to better Gaza,” he writes.
After the war, the pair hope to return to Gaza despite offers to remain in the US. “My mission in life is to help build my country,” Majd says.
Register here to ensure you don’t miss this powerful event >>
We look forward to seeing you there.
– J Street Events
