Jessica Hromas, Shamikh Badra: The Unbearable Cost of Conflict in Gaza (PEOPLE 2025)

Web:

www.jessicahromas.com

Shamikh Badra is an Australian Palestinian living in Sydney. His father is died in Gaza because he was unable to access his regular medication. Badra says his friend buried his father in their backyard because it was too dangerous to travel to the nearest cemetery. A few weeks earlier, Badra’s brother, Ehab, his wife and their children, who had been living with and caring for Badra’s parents, briefly visited their nearby apartment to assess the damage during a temporary ceasefire. The family of seven, which included his sister-in-law’s father, have not been heard from since. People have told Badra that they are all dead and under rubble. His mother is in her eighties and is now alone. Neighbours took her in and are doing their best to care for her. The family home has been destroyed. Badra stands tall for his portrait, of course there is a deep nagging sadness but he holds it together; he is the lucky country.

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