Social Issues

Hashim Zaibak on trauma of civilians in the midst of war

Islamic Society of Milwaukee member Hashim Zaibak, who has family in Gaza, shares thoughts on the despair that comes with watching war from afar and a hope to offer help to civilians who are in need.

By Aditi Debnath | Here & Now

November 15, 2023

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Hashim Zaibak:
If they ever open the borders, and I hope they open the borders soon, I'd like to go and help. I'd like to go in and really take care of their civilians, the children and the woman of Gaza, to offer them whatever we can, whether it's medical supplies, medications, insulin. I'd like to be able to offer them that. Unfortunately, today, I can't. I just can't. It's pretty sad. [sighing] And growing up, I've always thought that this issue will end soon. Unfortunately, the government of Israel, every year, proves me wrong and proves that this is not gonna end soon. It's very unfortunate. I was one of the lucky 1% of the population of Gaza who's able to leave, and be able to come to the land of opportunity and have a normal life with family and children in colleges and just have a normal life where I can leave home in the morning, go to work, knowing that my house will be there at night. The people of Gaza don't have that luxury. They really don't. It's really sad.


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