PATERSON, N.J. — Paterson is home to many Palestinian-Americans.
Many told CBS New York on Thursday they’re worried about their families in Gaza.
At least three individuals from New Jersey are believed to be trapped in Gaza, according to statements made by community members.
Najwa Alsadi read a distressing message from her niece and sister, informing her that the Israeli army was launching a violent attack on the Gaza Strip. They managed to escape their waterfront home just in time before the Israeli missiles struck.
Alsadi said that they are essentially filled with fear and constantly changing their location.
In days, she mentioned not receiving any news from her paralyzed sister, Somer.
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Alsadi expressed that he was overwhelmed by numerous anxieties, causing him to experience difficulties sleeping, eating, and thinking. He expressed that he was anxiously awaiting a phone call that would confirm whether his family had been completely eliminated.
“In a voicemail message to his family, Fares Abufares expressed the severity of the situation, emphasizing how extremely dire things are over here.”
Abufares, a resident of Paterson and an American citizen, finds himself stuck in Gaza following a visit to his family.
“In the message, he expressed that this could possibly be our final conversation. He revealed the heartbreaking news of a mosque near his residence being targeted by a bombing. The horrifying scenes witnessed are etched into his mind, never to be forgotten.”
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“He is trapped with no way out,” Duaa Abufares expressed. “I am genuinely frightened. I can’t bear the thought of anything happening to my father.”
Fawzia Saker emphasized, “Our focus lies on advocating for fundamental human rights, rather than endorsing Hamas.”
Saker shared that her family’s residence in Gaza was targeted, however, she reached out to CBS New York to shed light on the difficulties faced by Americans in the same situation. Among them are three individuals from New Jersey, including a couple from Newark whose identities she prefers not to disclose. These individuals have a strong bond of friendship.
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According to Saker, their intention was simply to visit their family and enjoy a month together, but unfortunately, they find themselves unable to do so.
Alsadi expressed that any event that causes harm to human life, regardless of whether it involves Palestinians or Jewish people, incites anger within him.
Alsadi and his fellow voices express their condemnation of Hamas, urging global assistance for the people of Gaza and the pursuit of a peaceful solution.
Alsadi expressed the belief that the current power of Hamas is contingent upon the absence of peace. In his view, the organization would likely lose its influence if peace were to prevail. Alsadi further highlighted the dire circumstances faced by Hamas, including shortages of essentials such as food, water, and medication. He even mentioned the scarcity of body bags, which poses a significant health concern.
The Palestinian community in Paterson is collaborating with international contacts, revealing that there are approximately 360 American citizens currently residing in Gaza. Furthermore, they anticipate that this number might increase in the future.
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