Fatma Badra, a 79-year-old grandmother from Gaza, was reunited with her family at Sydney airport after 11 years apart, marking a significant moment for her and her son Shamikh, an Australian citizen. In a separate event, climate activists from the group Rising Tide made headlines by painting "Tax Me" on a coal ship in Newcastle, urging the federal government to impose a tax on fossil fuel export profits.

Family Reunion at Sydney Airport
Fatma Badra arrived in Sydney last weekend as part of the first group of Palestinians to enter Australia under a new ceasefire plan that has been in place for three weeks. Her son Shamikh, who has been advocating for her safe passage since late 2023, expressed relief and joy at the reunion after a long and emotional wait. During this period, Fatma lost 10 kilograms due to the stress and uncertainty of her situation. Tragically, her husband Khalil passed away in November 2023, adding to the family's grief. Shamikh described the moment as bittersweet, highlighting the struggles faced by his mother who had been trapped alone in Gaza.

Climate Activism in Newcastle
In a separate development, environmental activists from Rising Tide targeted a coal ship in Newcastle, painting "Tax Me" on its hull. This protest is part of a broader campaign calling on the Australian government to implement a 78% tax on profits from fossil fuel exports. The group argues that the revenue generated from this tax should be allocated to support community and industrial transitions away from coal and other fossil fuels. The protest highlights the ongoing debate in Australia regarding environmental policies and the transition to sustainable energy sources.

Government Response
The Australian government has faced increasing pressure from both the public and environmental groups to address climate change and fossil fuel dependency. The actions of Rising Tide are seen as a reflection of growing frustration with the slow pace of policy changes. As the government considers new environmental legislation, the call for a fossil fuel export profits tax is expected to gain further traction.

Wrap-up
The reunion of Fatma Badra with her family underscores the human impact of international conflicts and the challenges faced by individuals seeking refuge. Concurrently, the climate activism in Newcastle highlights the urgency of addressing environmental issues in Australia. These events together reflect the diverse social and political landscape of the country, where personal stories and activism intersect.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team