Offaly resident issues appeal to help rescue his children in Gaza

by Navjyoti Dalal

The last time Clara resident Atiya Al-Sahhar saw his family was 12 years ago, in Gaza, before he left for a work trip to China.

He was hopeful of welcoming his fourth child when he returned. But, due to situations that have transpired over the intervening years, he has not been able to return or see his newborn.

Upon his return from China, Israel had blocked the port of Rafah and Atiya wasn't allowed entry to Palestine. And for the last 12 years he has been living with a restless feeling, moving from China to Egypt, to Belgium, and finally Ireland, where he has been based since July 2020.

The last six years that he has spent rehabilitating in Ireland gave him hope that, despite the escalated conflict, he would be able to rescue his family from Gaza, see his children again.

After several appeals in the past, Atiya is now making a fresh plea to the community and the authorities concerned to help rescue his children from Gaza.

The 43-year-old father hasn't left any stone unturned in his mission. He has knocked on doors, written appeals and letters to various agencies, and even launched a GoFundMe fundraiser two years ago.

"Please help me get my children here. They are trapped in a warzone, living in fear, fighting for survival amidst airstrikes and gunshots. Every day of waiting is painful. I feel helpless as a father," Atiya told the Offaly Independent.

"I am not asking for special treatment. I am asking for a humanitarian chance, guidance, and support from anyone who may be able to help me reunite with my children and bring them to safety."

Atiya's children, Sama, Nafez and Mohammad, were between the ages of three and six when he left for China on a business trip.

"We (Atiya and his father) had a ladies bags and shoes business, where I had to travel frequently to China to import goods. When I left for Guangzhou, I had no idea that it was the last time I was hugging my children.

"My oldest, my daughter, was only six then, and her brothers even younger. We were excited about a new baby (Amir) coming into our lives later that year. I have only seen them on a phone screen in the time since," said Atiya, whose children live with his sister. He said his wife has separated from him owing to his forced absence from their lives.

Currently employed as a mechanical operative in a Clara factory, Atiya works long hours to be able to provide for his children.

"We talk whenever it is safe for them to call me online. We see other through a phone screen, I touch it and pray for them. They look so lanky and undernourished. I don't know when will I be able to see them and hold them," he said.

"We weep during our calls. There is nothing to talk about, the situation is the same, inhuman, only the pain grows. They are living in the worst conditions possible, walking miles, dodging bullets, for just a gallon of drinking water," said Atiya who said he has lost a sister and many cousins due to the actions of Israeli forces.

He said that he spoke to them a week ago: "I told them if it doesnt work out, I will come back to Gaza. They began crying -- ‘Baba don't come back. You have a chance to take us out of here, but if you return to this hell, there's no hope for us’."

Atiya said he has not been able to connect to his children in recent days, and that another member of his family was killed by the Israeli forces a few days ago. "I don't know if they are alright..." he broke down.

Having spent the first couple of years in accommodation for international protection asylum seekers, Atiya moved into a rented place in Clara as soon as he found a job.

"I have been living here for six years. I work, pay my rent, and I live in a peaceful and lawful way. All I want is my children to come to safety. As their father I feel helpless, unable to protect them or bring them to safety. Sometimes I feel I will go crazy with this helplessness," he shared.

Ireland has been critical of the Israeli military's actions in Palestine, sentiments which are not limited to the Dáil but also resonate with ordinary citizens. Atiya said this gives him hope.

"I believe the people of Ireland care deeply about children, family, and humanity, and I hope my story can reach someone who may be able to help," he concluded.