Voices of Resilience: Palestinian Australians Share Stories of Hope at Parliament House
As part of our Month of Advocacy and our ongoing advocacy work, we’ve been engaged in supporting and attending numerous initiatives, including a significant event at Parliament House. Held on Tuesday, 8th October, this event brought together Palestinian Australians to share their deeply personal testimonies of loss, resilience, and unwavering hope amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
It was a powerful gathering of politicians, activists, community leaders, and members of the Australian-Palestinian diaspora, all united in their call to spotlight the humanitarian impact of the conflict and to urge for justice and concrete action.
Tamara Asmar, another speaker with family roots in the West Bank, shared the tragic story of her friend Mahmoud, whose home in Gaza City was destroyed by an airstrike, leading to the loss of his family members. Asmar urged attendees to remember the suffering of families in Gaza when they think of their own loved ones.
The event also saw the participation of prominent figures like Greens deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi, independent senators Lidia Thorpe, and Fatima Payman, who voiced criticism of Australia's political response to the crisis. Faruqi highlighted the disparity in empathy extended to different communities, accusing the major political parties of selectively choosing who they see as victims.
Stay tuned to our socials for upcoming events, campaigns, and ways you can be involved. Let’s continue to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Palestine and advocate for justice, equity, and peace.
It was a powerful gathering of politicians, activists, community leaders, and members of the Australian-Palestinian diaspora, all united in their call to spotlight the humanitarian impact of the conflict and to urge for justice and concrete action.
Beyond the numbers: Sharing our stories
At Parliament House, Palestinian Australians bravely opened up about the personal toll of the Gaza crisis. Dr. Bushra Othman, a Melbourne surgeon who recently volunteered in Gaza, recounted her heartbreaking experiences, highlighting patients who suffered devastating injuries due to bombings. She passionately emphasised that the people of Gaza are "not just headlines" but "precious lives."Tamara Asmar, another speaker with family roots in the West Bank, shared the tragic story of her friend Mahmoud, whose home in Gaza City was destroyed by an airstrike, leading to the loss of his family members. Asmar urged attendees to remember the suffering of families in Gaza when they think of their own loved ones.
The event also saw the participation of prominent figures like Greens deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi, independent senators Lidia Thorpe, and Fatima Payman, who voiced criticism of Australia's political response to the crisis. Faruqi highlighted the disparity in empathy extended to different communities, accusing the major political parties of selectively choosing who they see as victims.
What’s Next in Our Month of Advocacy?
As we continue our Month of Advocacy, we invite everyone to join us in our mission to make a meaningful impact! As you’ve seen over the past year, the small, daily effort of simply sharing a post can make all the difference.Stay tuned to our socials for upcoming events, campaigns, and ways you can be involved. Let’s continue to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Palestine and advocate for justice, equity, and peace.
Posted by Salma Irawan