In Syria, Alissa and Salim feared for their children’s lives.
Here, they fear their health issues will separate them.
When Alissa and Salim* fled the war in Syria, they had already lost more than most can imagine.
After losing one of their two children in the war, they left their home and made the treacherous journey to Türkiye for safety. After 6 years of waiting, they arrived in Australia last year.
Their surviving daughter stayed in Türkiye with her husband and children, awaiting a visa that they were told would come, but it never did.
Alissa and Salim are alone – grieving in silence, separated from their only daughter, and isolated in a country where they speak no English and know no one. Alissa’s health is declining, and Salim’s mobility is getting worse.
Now aged 65 and 67, they live in a small house but can no longer manage the stairs due to worsening mobility issues. They fear what would happen if one of them were to fall and get rushed to the hospital alone.
Their needs are real and urgent. Alissa’s eyesight is failing and she needs glasses. Salim needs a hearing aid. They both have growing mobility and dental issues. And they’re struggling to put food on their table.
Alissa and Salim first came to ARA through our drop-in service seeking support with an electricity bill. But it quickly became clear their situation was far more serious. When they were connected with an Australian Refugee Association case worker who spoke their language, they broke down in tears.
“I am so happy you can understand me” Said Alissa. “We can now get the help we need.”
Isolated and grieving, they were barely surviving – cut off from the world around them, unable to understand letters and bills. With their hearing and sight failing them, they had been unable to access essential health services.
Please send your gift today to provide food vouchers, medical support, or English lessons for refugees like Alissa and Salim.
Our Migration Team is exploring pathways for Alissa and Salim to reunite with their daughter but they fear they will grow old in a country they do not understand, with no family, no community, and no one to share their final years.
You can help refugees separated from their family and in need of support to stay healthy and access essential services. Your gift can provide much – needed dental care, glasses, and hearing aids for refugees like Alissa and Salim.
They need kind people like you who care and can remind them that they are not alone.
*Names have been changed to protect identities