Filipina Mother and Seven Children Seek Hope and Stability After Gaza Evacuation
In the tumultuous landscape of conflict, one family's journey from Gaza to the Philippines unfolds as a tale of resilience, challenges, and a longing for reunion in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Amjad, a 44-year-old Palestinian expat, faces the imminent reality of turning another year older, with a fervent desire to bring his wife, Marlene, and their seven children to the UAE. The family's poignant story began when they found themselves caught in the crossfire of escalating conflict in Gaza, prompting their evacuation by the Philippine government in November of the previous year.
Marlene, aged 45, along with their children ranging from 15 to 3 years old, experienced the horrors of war in Deir al-Balah, a city in central Gaza. Fleeing the heavy bombardment, they left their home with only the clothes on their backs, mismatched slippers, and a bag containing their passports. This emergency kit, prepared in anticipation of frequent conflicts, became their lifeline.
Surviving the perils of airstrikes, Marlene and her children sought refuge in Rafah, southern Gaza, only to face another round of attacks upon their return to Deir al-Balah. The family's luck took a turn for the better when the border with Egypt opened, facilitating their evacuation to the Philippines on November 10, 2023.
However, the aftermath of war left scars beyond the physical. Marlene and her children, traumatized by the sounds reminiscent of conflict, now find themselves in a precarious situation in the Philippines. Assisted by the Philippine-Palestine Friendship Association (PPFA), they reside in a rented room in Cavite, grappling with financial constraints as the aid from the Philippine government dwindles.
The trauma runs deep, with the children displaying signs of distress triggered by everyday sounds reminiscent of war. Even the hum of an electric fan, reminiscent of drones, brings tears to their eyes. Fireworks and the sound of airplanes evoke fear, a poignant reminder of the psychological toll exacted by conflict.
Marlene's in-laws, aged 75 and 73, chose to remain in Deir al-Balah, facing the harsh realities of the war-stricken region. Their house, bombed multiple times, stands as a testament to the brutal impact of conflict. Despite the adversities, Marlene's eldest daughter, a bright student, secured a scholarship at a university in Switzerland, bringing a glimmer of hope amid the turmoil.
The upheaval disrupted the education of the six younger children, who find themselves unable to attend Philippine schools due to language barriers. Born in the UAE and having studied at Al Hikmah School in Ajman, the children face an educational hiatus. Marlene's plea for support extends beyond financial aid, reaching into the realms of education and stability.
Amjad, separated from his family, is now on a mission to reunite with them in the UAE. Seeking assistance from charitable organizations and school authorities, he navigates the bureaucratic challenges of bringing his family back together. The hope lingers, transcending borders and bureaucratic hurdles, as this family yearns for the stability and security that the UAE could offer.
Their journey encapsulates the complexities faced by families torn apart by conflict, illustrating the profound impact on the lives of innocent children. In the midst of adversity, the resilience of the human spirit and the pursuit of a better life stand as enduring themes in the narrative of this Filipina mother and her seven children.
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By- Sahiba Suri
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