Gaza's Young Survivors Face Uncertain Futures in Greece
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In the aftermath of the devastating Gaza war, 26 Palestinians, including 10 minors, were evacuated to Athens, Greece. Among them is Raghad al-Fara, a 15-year-old who lost her teenage years to injuries suffered during an Israeli bombing. She now lives in a shelter for refugee women, struggling to rebuild her life with the aid of crutches due to severe orthopaedic and psychological injuries. Raghad's family, including her mother Shadia and younger sister Argwan, were among those who escaped the besieged Palestinian territory in February. However, the rest of the family - three other children and the father - remain in Gaza. According to Heracles Moskoff, secretary general for vulnerable persons at the migration ministry, Raghad is one of the many young survivors who require complex orthopaedic and psychological care. Sara Al-Sweirki, 20, who was evacuated in September with her mother and brother, is determined to make the most of her new life in Athens. She has been accepted into the Deree American College of Greece and plans to study psychology to help others overcome their traumas. However, Raghad's case highlights the need for urgent psychological support, with her mother Shadia noting that the teenager still experiences severe shock and has not received the necessary care. Despite the Greek government's initial agreement to host the Palestinian refugees, there has been a lack of financial assistance and support for those in need. Palestinian official Latif Darwesh criticises the conservative Greek government for abandoning its historic friendship with the Palestinian people. The government's reluctance to recognise a Palestinian state, despite 74% of Greeks supporting the move, has raised concerns among the Palestinian community in Athens. The war in Gaza has sparked a wave of solidarity among the Greek population, with many calling for the government to take action to support the Palestinian refugees. However, the future remains uncertain for Raghad and her family, with her mother Shadia feeling powerless to help her three other children who remain in Gaza. Sara Al-Sweirki, on the other hand, remains determined to pursue her goals and make a new life for herself in Athens.
