Latest news with #Asala
Atlantic
6 days ago
- Health
- Atlantic
‘We Are Sentenced to Live Like This'
Asala Ferany sat cross-legged inside her tent in a camp near Deir al-Balah, trying to soothe her youngest child. Nada, barely more than a year old, clung to her mother's neck with tiny, weak arms. The midday heat, nearly 90 degrees Fahrenheit, seeped through the plastic tarp above them. Sweat trickled down Asala's face, and she had to leave the tent to get some air. Nada hadn't eaten since the night before, and the only thing left to feed her was a sachet of peanut paste—one of the last things Asala had managed to bring back from the aid-distribution point that morning. 'This is all I have,' she whispered, tearing a corner of the foil packet and squeezing a bit onto her finger. 'I wish I could give her more, but there is nothing left.' That morning, Asala and her husband, Mohammad Ferwana, had gone for the third or fourth time in a month to an aid center in Deir al-Balah, hoping to get their daughter additional treatment or food. 'The people in the camp look at Nada,' Asala told me. 'They say, 'She is too small. Take care of her. She's too beloved.' Some even say she might not survive two more months. I keep hugging her, kissing her. So if I lose her—I'll know I loved her enough.' Last month, Asala told me, she took Nada to a government-run health clinic that referred her to a distribution center run by aid groups. There, aid workers encircled Nada's arm with paper tape, taking a measurement known as the mid-upper arm circumference that's commonly used to assess malnutrition. As of last Wednesday, Nada's upper arm measured 4.4 inches—meeting the threshold for severe, acute malnutrition. The aid workers gave Asala 14 red sachets of 'ready-to-use therapeutic food' (RUTF), a nutrient-dense, high-calorie paste designed to manage wasting in children. That wasn't enough. 'I asked if we could have more,' Asala told me. 'But they just shook their heads. There are too many children. Too many mothers asking.' When Asala got back to the tent, she quickly tucked the RUTF beneath her clothes. Her other children tended to eye the packets hungrily, and she needed to make sure that Nada, who needed them most, got her share. All of her children were thin, their ribs visible, but Nada was fading the fastest. By early afternoon, the camp had gone quiet with hunger. Then, at 1 p.m., a black tuk-tuk rattled down the sandy path between tents. Word spread fast: The tikkiyya, a community kitchen offered by the World Central Kitchen or sometimes by other volunteers and charitable initiatives, had come. Two dented metal pots sat on the back of the tuk-tuk, filled with hot mujaddara, a simple mix of brown lentils and white rice, stripped of onions or other seasonings that have become unaffordable. Children rushed from every direction toward the sound. Suhaib, Asala's eldest at age 9, was already running, a metal pot clanging in his hands. Asala followed close behind. She told me that she accompanied her children to the tikkiya in case their pots tipped or one of them got burned. 'It happens. On lentils day, the pots were boiling, and my child was burnt.' When they got to the front of the line, she pleaded with the aid worker for an extra portion. 'They gave two scoops,' she told him. 'It's not enough for seven people.' He looked away, toward the others still waiting for their ladlefuls. In addition to Suhaib and Nada, Asala has 7-year-old Layan, 4-year-old Yusuf, and 2-and-a-half-year-old Ibrahim. Back at the tent, she gathered them in a tight circle to eat their only meal of the day. 'I cannot dare leave one sleeping,' she told me. 'Last time, Yusuf napped through the meal. He woke up and found nothing. He cried the rest of the day.' Inside their tent, once this meal is done, there is no other food at all. Even baby Nada's milk bottles sit empty, lined up beside other barren utensils. Mohammad, who once worked as a metalsmith in his father's workshop, now finds himself unable to afford the most basic essentials. In the markets, staples such as eggs, milk, beef, and chicken have all but vanished. For what little remains, the prices are staggering. A kilogram of flour (approximately 2.2 pounds) now costs 120 shekels (approximately $32.50), the same price as a kilogram of tomatoes. Even eggplants—once a modest, accessible item—are selling for 100 shekels (about $27.00) per kilogram. Nada weighs only 16.5 pounds. She was born under bombardment in May 2024, weighing just 4.5 pounds. 'We named her after her grandmother,' Mohammad told me. 'Her name means 'dewdrops' in Arabic. Something small, pure, and gentle. But nothing about her life has been gentle.' The family reuses Nada's diapers, cleaning them with rations of water. With poor nutrition, she easily picks up diseases. 'She had fever, flu, diarrhea. I said maybe it's teething. But she's not recovering,' Asala told me. 'We have no medicine. Even soap has vanished. Doctors said, with these conditions, it is hard to recover, since the immune system is weak and vulnerable.' The family has been displaced five times—from Wadi As-Salqa, southeast of Deir al-Balah, to a school on Salah al-Din road; then to Mashala, west of Deir al-Balah; to Khan Younis; and now to a makeshift tent in the middle of Deir al-Balah. Their shelter is a patch of plastic and tarp held down by rocks, near the edge of a displacement zone in southwest Deir al-Balah, where Israel was engaged in a military operation from July 20 to 22. 'Shrapnel has come to us,' Asala told me. A child in the next tent was injured. 'I worry every day they will order us to leave again,' she said. 'Where will we go?' Asala told me that her children still remember the old days, and the tastes of foods she used to cook. 'Fridays used to be family days,' Asala remembers. 'My husband brought fish. We cooked chicken. The children remind me of that.' Suhaib used to excel in school. He still asks for a laptop—just to learn on it. Layan talks about university. In the late evening, Asala's children again started asking about food. She tried to hush Nada with water, and to distract the others, telling them that the tikkiya might come again tomorrow, or the camp committee might give them something. In past weeks, Asala would sometimes walk to her neighbor's tents to ask if anyone had a spare loaf of bread. The answer was almost always 'no.' Now and then Mohammad hears about aid trucks passing through the border to supply organizations such as the World Food Program. He joins the crowds of men who follow these trucks, but he often returns empty-handed. At times, Asala has followed him secretly. 'I just want to bring something home,' she told me. She described a dangerous scramble, crowds swelling with desperation: 'Some bring sticks. Some guns.' Once, her husband returned with a few cans of tomato paste he found on the ground, crushed under people's feet. 'They were cracked open and mixed with sand. I took it anyway.' The scene around the airdrops can be equally abject. On Wednesday, Suhaib and Yusuf ran toward a descending parachute, yelling: 'Throw something here! Throw something here!' Nothing came. Asala chased it, too. 'I left the tent. I wasn't thinking. I ran barefoot. When I reached where it fell, it was gone. This is what they've turned us into,' she said. 'I felt humiliated. We are sentenced to live like this.'
Al Bawaba
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Nesreen Tafesh's new husband is 10 years younger than her
ALBAWABA - Syrian-Algerian actress and singer Nesreen Tafesh recently made local headlines after reports indicated that her new husband, Ahmed Gohar, is 10 years younger than her, according to Lebanon 24. The Syrian star recently took to her official Instagram and shared several stories of Ahmed preparing dinner, describing him as her "hottie chef." It's important to note that Ahmed is Tafesh's third husband and is the ex-husband of the daughter of the renowned Syrian singer Asala. She got divorced from her second husband, Egyptian singer Sherif Sharkawy, on July 13, 202,3, and confirmed the news to fans through her official Instagram account. She wrote, "I have been officially divorced in all peace and quiet, I ask everyone to respect privacy." Reports about her new husband emerged in January during Riyadh's 2025 Joy Awards, when Nesreen Tafesh announced the news to Boussy Shalaby, a famous Egyptian media figure. At the time, she refused to disclose Ahmed Gohar's name, but clarified that he is an Egyptian businessman. The Joy Awards 2025 event was held on Saturday evening in Riyadh, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in the presence of many Arab, Turkish, and international artists.
Al-Ahram Weekly
16-03-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Australian embassy marks Women's Day with a panel on gender equality
The Australian embassy in Cairo hosted a Ramadan Iftar to celebrate International Women's Day and Egyptian Women's Day. The event featured a panel discussion of prominent Egyptian women who emphasized the importance of empowering the next generation of young women and girls as catalysts for lasting change. The Australian Embassy in Cairo hosted an Iftar to mark International Women's Day, which coincided with Egyptian Women's Day on 16 March—the anniversary of the first women's demonstration against British colonialism in 1919. Under the Australian theme 'March Forward for All Women and Girls,' this year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995. This landmark framework remains the most progressive and widely endorsed blueprint for advancing women's and girls' rights globally. In his opening remarks, Axel Wabenhorst, the Australian Ambassador to Egypt, underscored the importance of continued progress in gender equality, noting that 2.4 billion women globally lack equal economic opportunities and that one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. The ambassador also acknowledged the devastating effects of recent conflicts and humanitarian crises on women and girls, including in Gaza and Sudan. Ambassador Wabenhorst emphasised the significance of the event's timing, which coincided with several key milestones: Egyptian Women's Day, the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and Australia's new International Gender Equality Strategy. 'Launched last month, the strategy outlines how Australia is driving gender equality through action to protect and advance women's rights. It focuses on ending gender-based violence, pursuing gender-responsive peace and security efforts, delivering gender-equitable climate action and humanitarian assistance, and promoting women's economic equality,' he added. Reflecting on the event, Ambassador Wabenhorst stated, 'When women march forward, the whole world makes progress.' Following the Iftar, a panel discussion featured accomplished Egyptian women from diverse fields such as business, finance, science, development and sport. Soraya Bahgat, a social entrepreneur and advocate for women and girls in Egypt, moderated the discussion. The panellists included: Ghada Kandil , Egypt's Representative at Bank of New York Mellon and one of Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen in the Middle East for 2025. , Egypt's Representative at Bank of New York Mellon and one of Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen in the Middle East for 2025. Sham El-Zahabi , a scientist and founder of a pioneering regional dermatology centre, and the daughter of renowned Syrian singer Asala. , a scientist and founder of a pioneering regional dermatology centre, and the daughter of renowned Syrian singer Asala. Nada Hafez , an Egyptian national champion in fencing who competed in the Olympics in 2016, 2022, and 2024—while seven months pregnant. , an Egyptian national champion in fencing who competed in the Olympics in 2016, 2022, and 2024—while seven months pregnant. Maha Nour Eldin , a food and beverage professional, entrepreneur and consultant with over 20 years of experience, who also advocates for the full participation of blind women and girls in society. , a food and beverage professional, entrepreneur and consultant with over 20 years of experience, who also advocates for the full participation of blind women and girls in society. Sara Aziz, the founder and CEO of Safe Egypt, dedicated to child protection and empowerment since 2012. During the discussion, speakers shared insights from their journeys and everyday challenges, exploring the meaning of 'marching forward' for gender equality. The conversation highlighted the importance of empowering the next generation—particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalysts for lasting change. All panellists were honoured and received certificates of recognition from Ambassador Wabenhorst. The evening was enriched by a violin performance from Mervat Shagar, a member of the Al Nour Wal Amal Orchestra—an ensemble of blind female musicians renowned for their exceptional talent and contributions to the arts. Shagar has previously performed in Australia. The Australian Embassy in Cairo is committed to fostering environments where every woman and girl can reach her full potential. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Yahoo
Wisconsin authorities release details on missing 13-year-old's recovery
OAK CREEK, Wis. (WFRV) – Authorities in southeast Wisconsin have released additional details regarding the disappearance and safe recovery of 13-year-old Lillian Asala. According to the Oak Creek Police Department, Asala was reported missing on March 1 after she was last believed to be headed to Abendschein Park on East Drexel Avenue. However, phone data suggested she may have been in the area of South Pennsylvania Avenue and East Forest Hill Avenue. Dozens of firefighters battle house fire for more than two hours in Wisconsin When her phone stopped providing location updates, officers expanded their search with assistance from law enforcement agencies in the Milwaukee metro area and surrounding counties. On March 2, police issued a public notice requesting help in locating her. That same day, a citizen found her phone in Abendschein Park and turned it over to authorities for analysis. Police used multiple investigative methods, including K-9 searches, drones, neighborhood canvassing, security camera reviews, interviews, and forensic data recovery. Searches also extended to properties belonging to family members, including Asala's noncustodial mother, Luisa Asala. By March 4, after all leads had been exhausted, police issued a Wisconsin Crime Alert for a missing endangered person. Authorities explained that an Amber Alert was not issued because the case did not meet the required criteria. On March 7, detectives reviewing phone records linked Luisa Asala to a residence in Watertown. While officers surveilled the location, Oak Creek detectives located Luisa in Racine County. During questioning, she confirmed that Lillian was in the Watertown residence. Officers recovered Lillian safely, and she was found in good health. Wisconsin authorities warn high school students about 'Nerf Wars' dangers Luisa Asala was arrested and has remained in the Milwaukee County Jail since March 7. On March 12, the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office charged her with interfering with child custody. Authorities said additional charges are being considered for others who may have assisted her. The Oak Creek Police Department thanked the community for its support and assistance during the investigation. The case remains active, and no further details are available at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Yahoo
Oak Creek girl found, mother accused of custody interference
The Brief A woman is charged in Milwaukee County with interfering with child custody. The woman's daughter had been reported missing but was later found safe. Court filings reveal the mother had been hiding the girl for nearly a week. MILWAUKEE - The mother of an Oak Creek girl who had been reported missing, but was later found safe, was formally charged on Wednesday with interfering with child custody. In court Court records show 36-year-old Luisa Asala of Burlington is being held in the Milwaukee County Jail on $20,000 bond. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android The backstory Lillian Asala, 13, was found safe in Watertown on March 7; she'd been missing for nearly a week. She had left her Oak Creek home and headed to a skate park on Drexel Avenue on March 1, and police said her cellphone pinged about a mile away at Pennsylvania and Forest Hill. Editor's note: For clarity moving forward, Luisa Asala will be referred to as Asala. Lillian Asala will be referred to as Lillian. According to a criminal complaint, Lillian's father has primary custody of the girl. While police were on the phone with the girl's aunt, making initial contact with family members, she received a call from Asala which was then merged so Asala could speak to officers. In that call, court filings said Asala told police the girl was "upset about her father." Timeline On March 1, court filings said police police received an anonymous tip from an Oak Creek East Middle School student who said Lillian was "fine" and Asala was "hiding her." On March 2, Lillian's phone pinged in the area of a Cudahy apartment building near Hatley and Martin. The complaint states police responded and checked units in an apartment building, but didn't find anything. They also searched another residence in response to a tip. Later that day, Lillian's cellphone was turned into Oak Creek police after it had been found at Abendschein Skate Park. Another person said Lillian had communicated plans to "run away." SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News On March 3, court filings said police went to Asala's home in Burlington around 12:50 a.m. The lights were on, but there was no indication that anyone was home. Officers also searched the father's home in Oak Creek again and knocked on at least 40 addresses in the area, but didn't find her. Detectives spoke to Asala around 11:30 a.m. and went to her workplace. There, she said Lillian had "been talking about running away" for some time. Asala also said she was "frustrated" that police kept coming to her house to look for her daughter, and she didn't believe the girl could run away because "she wouldn't be able to stay off social media or leave her phone behind." Later that night, Asala told a detective she did not know where her daughter was and had nothing to do with helping her run away. On March 4, officers continued to knock on doors and look for Lillian, but she was not found. The complaint states the father led a search, which took them to Asala's workplace. There, an employee had "a lot to say" about how Asala was acting. That employee told police Asala had not been crying and "did not seem upset" that her daughter was missing – that she had been laughing and joking at work. The employee also said Asala was "upset" that people were looking for the girl. When the employee said she received a missing persons poster for Lillian, Asala told her to get rid of it. She also said Asala was "mad" that the girl's grandmother had done interviews and "mad" that there was a search party for her daughter. On March 7, the complaint states investigators learned Lillian called a friend on March 2. In that call, she said she was safe with her mother. Officers then spoke to Asala again and confronted her about the phone call, at which point Asala said her daughter was with a friend and that "this went too far." When asked if the father was abusive toward their daughter, Asala said he is not. Asala was taken into custody. What they're saying Once in custody, court filings said Asala told detectives that she drove her daughter to a friend's house on March 1 and told the friend that Lillian should have no social media or phone contact. She later picked up her daughter and admitted Lillian was hiding in the residence when people came to look for her. When police called Asala's friend and identified themselves, the complaint states the friend immediately hung up and then blocked additional phone calls. Officers went there, and Lillian came outside wearing the same clothes she was reported to be wearing when she went missing. The friend later said they did not call police because she was "shocked and scared" when she learned the girl had been considered missing. What's next Of note, the complaint states it "does not exhaust all of the information available to the State of Wisconsin at this time." The Source Information in this report is from the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office and Wisconsin Circuit Court.
