The remarkable true story of Shab ElAwar
From war-torn Lebanon to global humanitarian leader
War-Torn Childhood
Born into a family of six children living in poverty in Lebanon, Shab's childhood was marked by unimaginable hardship. The family shared a single toothbrush and were happy to have just bread and cheese for dinner. When his shoes wore out, young Shab reinforced them with cardboard to keep walking.
During the Lebanese civil war, he carried a gun to guard his village in the early 1970s. Tragically, one of his brothers was killed in the conflict. When his father was imprisoned, his courageous mother supported the family alone, collecting berries in the woods.
Building the American Dream
At his parents' urging, Shab left Lebanon in 1978 to pursue education in America. He earned his bachelor's degree at Chico State University and his master's in structural engineering from Cal State Long Beach, fulfilling his parents' dreams despite their own lack of formal education.
Starting with a gas station job, Shab worked his way up to become a successful real estate investor. But success in business wasn't enough - he felt called to something greater, remembering his mother's spirit of always helping others.
Love & Service
In 1997, Shab discovered Rotary International and found his true calling. "These people do some good service to the community, which instantly reminded me of my mother," he recalls. He also found love at the Route 66 Rendezvous in San Bernardino, where he met Dr. Bricia.
"I was grilling burgers and hot dogs for 300-400 people. When Bricia came by, I burned a few burgers!" Shab laughs. "We had the same interests – helping others." Together, they've served across continents, raising four children and enjoying four grandchildren.
