Author: Rafqa Touma and Mostafa Rachwani

Palestinian refugees Asmaa Elkhaldi and Nesma Khalil Al-Khazendar share their harrowing experiences of fleeing Gaza and seeking refuge in Australia. Elkhaldi recalls the trauma of escaping Gaza amid rocket attacks, while Khalil Al-Khazendar describes the devastation of losing her home and loved ones. Despite the safety of Australia, both women struggle with guilt and longing for their homeland. The Palestinian diaspora in Australia, led by community leader Ramia Sultan, grapples with the mental toll of watching the ongoing conflict from afar. The community is mobilized by anger and despair, with many feeling dehumanized by the events in Gaza. Weekly protests…