Gazan refugees in Egypt face significant challenges, including the inability to obtain residency status, which restricts their access to formal employment. This has left many families, particularly women, struggling to sustain themselves financially. This is exacerbated by the fact that, even when evacuations were possible, men between the ages of 16 and 65 were denied entry to Egypt. This resulted in a disproportionately high number of single mothers in Cairo.

On a cultural note, the preservation of Gazan and Palestinian cultural practices, such as tatreez (traditional embroidery), is under threat due to the displacement and the difficulty in accessing necessary materials. Tatreez, a centuries-old Palestinian embroidery tradition, is more than just an art form—it is a vital part of Palestinian cultural identity. Recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, tatreez is at risk of being lost due to the devastating effects of war and displacement. 

Displacement and disruption of community have broken the traditional tatreez circles where older generations once passed down techniques, stories, and cultural knowledge to younger ones. Without these communal spaces, the intergenerational transmission of this art form is severely hindered. Additionally, the destruction of infrastructure and resources has made it increasingly difficult for artisans to access quality threads, fabrics, and safe spaces needed to practice their craft. The psychological and cultural impact of war further compounds the issue, as the trauma of displacement and violence makes it challenging for women to maintain the creative spirit that tatreez requires—a practice that has long served as a form of healing, historical documentation, and cultural assertion. Finally, the interruption of economic opportunities has shrunk traditional markets for these handcrafted items, discouraging younger generations from learning and continuing the art. The erasure of such cultural practices not only threatens the survival of tatreez but also exacerbates the loss of identity for Palestinians specifically the displaced Gazan families, further deepening the impact of cultural genocide.

In response to these challenges, the Threads of Resilience Project was initiated to support Gazan women in Cairo by purchasing their handmade tatreez products, helping them source materials, and encouraging the teaching of tatreez to the next generation. This project not only provides financial support to these women but also aims to preserve and promote Gazan/Palestinian cultural heritage. Pieces born from this project are occasionally available for purchase during fundraising events held by or on behalf of DSG and funds raised by their sale are further used to support this and other necessary projects.