Media Releases

2 August 2024

Today, Zali Steggall MP met with Mohammed Salah and his family. Mohammed is a Gazan lifesaver whom she first met when he visited Manly in 2020 as part of the Gaza Surf Project. This project was designed to share surf lifesaving and nippers skills to improve water safety skills for children in Gaza.

Since that first meeting, Mohammed and his colleague Hasan, who also took part in the Project, have been running the Nippers program in Gaza, overcoming numerous challenges along the way. Unfortunately, as the Gaza conflict escalated, Mohammed’s family home was destroyed. He and his family have been constantly on the move, seeking refuge.

Zali Steggall MP said: “When we heard of Mohammed’s plight, I spoke directly to the Immigration  Minister, to advocate for a visa which was duly granted.

With the support of North Steyne Surf Life Saving Club and the Northern Beaches Committee for Palestine, committee members including Caroline Graham raised funds to help Mohammed’s family leave Gaza. They arrived in Australia a couple of weeks ago.

“Amidst the horrific stories of the humanitarian crisis surrounding the conflict in Gaza, it has been heartening to be able to contribute towards a good outcome for Mohammed and his family.  Sadly, this is just one piece of good news and there are many more civilians impacted by this conflict who are also desperately seeking refuge. 

Mohammed’s colleague Hassan has been unable to leave Gaza but the NBCP will continue to fundraise so that they may also assist him and others. Tragically, however, a number of a volunteers and children who have taken part in the Gaza Nippers Program have been killed, along with their families.

“It is essential Australia do all it can to help civilians impacted by this conflict seek safe harbour. To this end, I have repeatedly requested the Australian Government, including a written request to the new Immigration Minister Tony Burke just this week, to make humanitarian visas available for Palestinian people. This would be a response similar to that adopted during the 2021 Afghanistan crisis and 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine – especially for those who have Australian relatives.

While Mohammed has been able to arrive safely in Australia, like others in his situation his visa is short- term and does not allow him to work or his children to attend school.

 “Reports today that the government is working to finalise a policy that will allow Palestinian Refugees to live and work and permanently call Australia home is welcome news”.