Fatima Cargolio and her Palestinian husband, Naji Al-Abdala, spent years building a peaceful life in Gaza, running a thriving shop and raising their children near Al-Quds University. Their world shattered on October 7, 2023, when the conflict turned their neighborhood into a war zone, eventually claiming the life of their son-in-law. Facing a humanitarian crisis marked by the loss of essential utilities and constant bombardment, the couple made the difficult decision to leave their home, eventually arriving in the Philippines in November 2023. Their tragedy, however, did not end with their escape; shortly after settling in, they suffered the devastating loss of their son, whose heart failure was attributed by doctors to the overwhelming stress of displacement and war.

Determined to move forward despite their profound grief, Naji and Fatima have turned to the kitchen to forge a new path. With the support of local Filipino organizations and friends, they now travel to university campuses and food bazaars, sharing authentic Middle Eastern cuisine like shawarma, biryani, and baklava with their new community. While they have found solace in the kindness of Filipinos and the growth of their young grandson, their hearts remain tethered to their homeland. They continue to dream of a day when they can return to Gaza, driven by a deep-seated identity and a hope that the cycle of violence will finally grant them the peace to return home.