Tamer Ibrahim Abu Ghanem

Tamer Ibrahim Abu Ghanem, 43 years old, was a Palestinian refugee from Dimra village, which was stolen by Israel during the 1948 Palestinian Nakba. Born in 1980 to Palestinian refugee parents in the Jabalia camp, he built a family of his own, including three young boys and one girl.

Bessan Tamer Abu Ghanem, 14, is Tamer’s eldest child, named after his cousin Bessan Izzeldin Abuelaish, who was killed during the 2008-2009 Gaza War. Ibrahim Tamer Abu Ghanem, 12, is his second eldest, a bright student who excels in school. Isaac and ismail, both 10, are Tamer’s twin sons.

Tamer was the sole provider for his household and also cared for his two elderly parents, both of whom were severely ill. His mother suffered from the effects of a stroke and diabetes, while his father was too frail to move due to old age.

Despite being unemployed and having no source of income, Tamer remained steadfast in Jabalia camp. He refused to evacuate, fearing the loss of his home, much like what had happened to his parents and grandparents.

During the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza, Tamer volunteered with Hayat Washington in northern Gaza. He never missed an opportunity to help, whether it was serving food, delivering water and food packages, or providing humanitarian aid to the suffering people.

On May 16th, 2024, Tamer was targeted in front of his home in Jabalia camp. A few days earlier, as the Israeli military campaign intensified with tank advancements and artillery bombardment, Tamer carried his disabled parents and led his family to his relatives' house, which was not on the main road - unlike Tamer’s home. Tragically, his cousin Jihad, who suffered from asthma, died on the morning of May 16th from the heavy smoke and gases discharged by the Israeli military.

After burying his cousin, Tamer and his children tried to retrieve remaining belongings, elderly-care essential items from their nearby house. Sadly, Tamer was targeted and killed on his way home. His body remains in the street, inaccessible due to the continuous Israeli bombardment and tank presence.

Tamer's four children were injured, with Bessan suffering severe internal bleeding. His parents have been left alone at his relative’s house for the past four days, unable to receive the care they desperately need.

Tamer's story is a heartbreaking testament to the endless struggle of the Palestinian people. His dedication to his family and community, even in the face of unimaginable adversity, serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of this ongoing conflict.