Two Religions, One Friendship Group, and a Whole Lot of Kindness in Melbourne

Naima Ali Farah, a refugee from Somalia, is experiencing a profound sense of freedom and self-discovery in Melbourne, Australia, a stark contrast to the life she left behind. After fleeing Somalia due to violence and persecution by the Al Qaeda-affiliated group Al-Shabaab, and enduring nine years as a refugee in Nairobi with her son, Feisal Abdi Sugal, Naima finds joy in simple choices previously unavailable to her.

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It's something that I've been dreaming to have when I get to safety. Just feel like a woman again and have everything a woman should have.

"It's something that I've been dreaming to have when I get to safety," Naima shared while having her makeup done. "Just feel like a woman again and have everything a woman should have." She expressed her wonder at the autonomy women possess in Australia, stating, "Women here rule, they have powers... Not the women where I came from. They can't do anything they want to do… they're under the rules of the husbands." For Naima, the ability to "wake up in the morning, do her make-up, dress up, take her car and go to work" is the true definition of power.

Upon arriving in Melbourne last year, Naima and Feisal were met by a group of six volunteers from the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Program (CRISP). This federal government initiative connects refugees without family ties in Australia with local groups to help them navigate their new lives. Many of these volunteers, who have become Naima's close friends, met through a Jewish youth movement and have been friends since their teenage years.

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Women here rule, they have powers... Not the women where I came from. They can't do anything they want to do … they're under the rules of the husbands. But here, a woman can wake up in the morning, do her make-up, dress up, take her car and go to work. That is what's called power. And that's what I want to do.

Nicole Schlesinger, one of the volunteers, joined the program amidst global turmoil and polarized public discourse following the Hamas massacre and the subsequent conflict in Gaza. "There's been a lot of disruption and violence and sadness in the world," Nicole reflected. "The debate in the public arena has been very polarised; there hasn't been that opportunity to have nuanced conversations."

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In our group, no Jews, no Muslim. We are one big family.

Despite the complexities of the world, Naima and her friends exemplify a powerful message of unity and kindness. "In our group, no Jews, no Muslim," Naima declared. "We are one big family." Their friendship demonstrates how shared humanity and mutual support can bridge religious and cultural divides, creating a welcoming environment for those seeking a new beginning.

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There's been a lot of disruption and violence and sadness in the world. The debate in the public arena has been very polarised; there hasn't been that opportunity to have nuanced conversations.