Remembering Mousa Shawwa

The moment we have feared has come. We’ve lost one of our dear colleagues in Gaza. With heavy hearts, Anera announces the death of our colleague Mousa Shawwa on March 8, 2024.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved colleague, Mousa Shawwa, on March 8, 2024, in Al Zawayda, Deir Al Balah. Mousa, aged 41, tragically lost his life in an Israeli airstrike while wearing his Anera vest, shortly after returning from helping displaced families in Rafah. His demise leaves a void in our hearts and a profound loss in the humanitarian community.

Mousa and his family lived in Gaza City. The war forced them to relocate to the south of Gaza. Despite the enormous challenges he faced, Mousa remained resolute in his service to others as a devoted member of Anera’s staff in Gaza. Almost 15 years ago, he started as a driver and custodian, but he swiftly rose to the role of logistics and support coordinator. Mousa was a problem-solver and a true humanitarian. He was an expert in getting aid to people who need it most, and he found joy in witnessing the happiness and satisfaction of others.

His profound impact extended beyond his professional life. He was a loving husband to his wife Doaa Jamal Eshtewi Al Gifari and a devoted father to his four children, who also sustained injuries in the same airstrike that claimed Mousa’s life. Tragically his youngest, six-year-old Karim, died from his injuries despite heroic attempts to save him.

Mousa’s passion for his family was matched only by his dedication to his community. He cherished building relationships, and his warmth and kindness touched the lives of all who knew him. He was a man of varied interests. He loved cars, traveling, and spending late nights with friends and family.

Mousa Shawwa’s legacy will endure in the hearts of those he touched and the lives he changed. He leaves behind a loving family, including his parents, five siblings, and two children, who will forever hold his memory dear. Though his physical presence may be gone, his spirit will continue to inspire us to strive for a better world, one filled with compassion and dedication to others.

Rest in peace, dear Mousa.

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“Mousa’s was the first face I saw when I entered Gaza and the last I saw when I left,” says Anera Palestine Country Director Sandra Rasheed. “He made sure that he watched over me the whole time I was in Gaza. He was a protector. He had so much love for his family. Du’a, his wife, was the love of his life. He would do anything for his kids. He was very committed to Anera and his work. His Anera family meant the world to him. I’m devastated and shocked. I can’t believe I won’t ever hear his laugh again.”

“For me,” says Anera President & CEO Sean Carroll, “Mousa was usually the first and last face of an Anera staff person I respectfully and lovingly kissed on both cheeks every time I entered and left Gaza. The hurt in knowing that I will not have that embrace on my next trip to Gaza is almost too much to bear. Anera, Gaza, Palestine, and the world have lost a dedicated humanitarian who worked hard to help hope find a way, and ultimately was killed despite his efforts. We are praying for the full and speedy recovery of his injured wife and children, and we will continue to advocate for an immediate and full ceasefire.”

This tragic news underscores Anera’s urgent call to end this war immediately. Too many innocent people have been killed.

March 9 Press Release: US NGO worker killed in Israeli Airstrike

March 19 Update: With profound sadness, we must share that Mousa’s son, Karim, has passed away due to his injuries.