The Tragic Escape from Gaza City
The Murad family’s life changed forever on October 13, 2023, when their attempt to escape Gaza City ended in tragedy. Following Israel’s orders for civilians to evacuate to the southern region of Gaza, Sameh Murad’s wife Dina, daughters Mayan (3) and Mirna (2), and several other relatives joined a truck with around 150 people. They were less than a kilometer from their home when their lives were shattered by an airstrike.
Sameh, a local news cameraman, was at Al-Shifa Hospital filming when his daughters arrived by ambulance. Dina was the last to arrive, unresponsive. Despite heroic efforts, her life could not be saved. Describing the chaos after the airstrike, his mother, Samah, recalls waking up to bodies, blood, and shrapnel. Dina had died shielding her four-month-old daughter Mirna in her arms.
The Murads’ New Life in Australia
The surviving members of the Murad family eventually sought refuge in Australia, leaving behind a Gaza that was already struggling and heading toward further devastation. Speaking from their new home in Melbourne’s outer east, Sameh shares the profound grief and difficult transition to a new normal. “I did everything with her,” he says of Dina. “I still feel the emptiness she left behind.”
Through the support of extended family and international aid, the Murads managed to escape before the Israeli military sealed Gaza’s borders. Now, as permanent residents of Australia, they are working, learning English, and trying to rebuild their lives.
Unimaginable Suffering in Gaza
The Murads remain deeply connected to Gaza, where many relatives are enduring the horrific consequences of the ongoing conflict. With frequent missile strikes, lack of food, and limited access to clean water, their family back home faces a grim reality. Communication with relatives is filled with heartache. Sameh’s father, Adnan, describes how they sometimes stop talking mid-conversation, too weak to continue.
The Gaza Strip has been left in ruins. According to health ministry reports, Israeli military actions have killed over 61,000 Palestinians, half of them women and children, exacerbating a dire humanitarian crisis. Efforts to recognize Palestine as a state carry emotional meaning for Palestinians worldwide, including the Murads. Sameh notes that the Australian Prime Minister’s recent announcement to recognize Palestinian statehood offers a glimpse of justice. “It’s a sign that you are actually supporting us,” Adnan adds.
Calls for Action Amid Global Attention
Meanwhile, the global Palestinian community and activists are urging governments worldwide to do more. Protests in Australia, such as the march over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, have brought attention to the crisis and shown solidarity to families like the Murads. However, activists like Mai Saif argue that recognition of Palestine must translate into meaningful action. “Recognition without material consequences is theatre. It won’t stop the killings or end the occupation,” she says.
A Glimmer of Hope
The Murad family is focused on healing and adjusting to life in Australia. Mayan and Mirna are in childcare, where support is helping them grow and process their trauma. Waseem, Sameh’s younger brother, is awaiting surgery for injuries sustained during the bombing.
While the memories of their joyful life in Gaza remain bittersweet, Sameh and his family emphasize the importance of international attention to end the suffering in Gaza. They are grateful for the safety that Australia has offered but continue to advocate for the well-being of their people back home.