Raw'a: A Legacy Rebuilt with Passion and Perseverance

The name Raw'a means "wonderful" or "fantastic" in traditional Arabic—a fitting tribute to Bilal’s dream of rebuilding the successful family business he once had in Gaza. Before the genocide, Bilal and his brother had established a thriving furniture business in Gaza, renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship and custom-made pieces. With a showroom, a full-scale production facility, and 30 employees, Raw'a was one of the most sought-after furniture shops in Gaza, with a waitlist during peak seasons for their unique, high-end creations.

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Bilal’s passion for woodworking and his attention to detail made Raw'a stand out in the competitive market, and his vision was to bring beauty and functionality into people's homes. But in the midst of the genocide, Bilal lost everything. His business was destroyed, and he faced the tragic loss of many close friends and family. One heartbreaking day, while Bilal was resting in a friend's home, that very home was bombed. Everyone inside, including the brother of his wife, perished. Bilal himself was put into a coma. After recovering, SafeGrow knew we had to act quickly to evacuate him to safety. Through our sister organization, SafeBow, Bilal, his wife, and their young daughter—born just three days before the genocide started—were safely brought to Egypt.

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Bilal's resilience and determination were evident from the start. He immediately began rebuilding his business in Cairo, leveraging his skills in woodworking and upholstery. With Raw'a, Bilal aims to rebuild not just his business but also the future he dreams of for his family. His ultimate goal is to hire a team of talented workers, create a line of ready-to-buy furniture, and return to his legacy of delivering high-quality, custom furniture.

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When SafeGrow started this project with Bilal, we provided critical support by securing a large working space for him to create his furniture. We covered his first three months of rent and supplied the necessary machinery for both furniture making and upholstery. Just weeks after starting his business in Cairo, Bilal sold his first product—a stunning dining table.

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Bilal’s work has already begun to garner attention for its exquisite craftsmanship, and with your help, we are confident that Raw'a will thrive once again. By supporting Bilal, buying his products, and spreading the word, you’re helping to rebuild a dream and create a future for his family and the community he seeks to support through his work.