Gazans who escaped and the diaspora community speak of the anguish and guilt of watching a year-long war from afar
Asmaa Elkhaldi in her apartment in Sydney: ‘My body has this kind of trauma – I feel there is going to be a bombardment any time.’ Photograph: Blake Sharp-Wiggins/The Guardian
Being in Sydney, she says, is at times “more painful than being in Gaza”. There, at least, “watching the genocide with your family or friends … you know they’re safe”. She and her husband fled to Rafah one week later. Separately, her family left their home in Gaza’s north six weeks after that. “My home was burned and then bombed and both my parents’ and my in-laws’ homes were destroyed,” Khalil Al-Khazendar says from Sydney where she is now living on a bridging visa.Palestinian Hands
“I want to regain that sense of security that is impossible … when you are away from your homeland, your house, your family, your friends and your work.”The mental toll of watching the war falls on the shoulders of Palestinians who have recently arrived in Australia and the diaspora community.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Palestinians in Australia left in limbo as visa doesn't allow for work or study rightsAbout 1,300 Palestinians with visitor visas have resettled in Australia since October, but their visa doesn't allow for work or study rights. They are now trying to establish their careers in a new country after fleeing Gaza.
Read more »
Police make arrests as thousands march in Australia to mourn PalestiniansNSW Police arrested one man in Sydney as thousands marched across the country to mark one year since the October 7 Hamas attacks sparked Israel's bombardment of Gaza.
Read more »
Gazans Fear Being Forgotten as Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Steals Global SpotlightAs the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies, Palestinians in Gaza express concern that their plight will be overshadowed by international attention focused on the new war. They fear being abandoned amidst ongoing humanitarian crisis with dire living conditions.
Read more »
South Australia council reverses decision to change date of Australia Day eventsIt comes after the council changed the date this year without community consultation.
Read more »
Australia’s northern neighbours cautious over US military build-up in Northern AustraliaAs US military presence ramps up in the north, experts say one of Australia's closest Asian neighbours is growing wary that the US's expanded presence could bring rising tensions to the region.
Read more »
Australia news live: ‘stronger Quad means stronger Australia’ Albanese says after meeting with summit leadersFollow today’s news live
Read more »