Dianne, a Lebanese Australian mother in Brisbane, has faced tough questions from her eight-year-old son and six-year-old daughter over the past year. With family near Beirut, she has been following the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah with concern.
As violence increases, over a million people in Lebanon have been displaced, and the situation in Gaza has only worsened since the Hamas-led attack on Israel last year. One question that stands out for Dianne is when her son asked if war could happen in Australia. She reassured him that they are safe, but explaining why children in Palestine and Lebanon don't have the same security was difficult.
Michael Khouri, also Lebanese Australian, has similar conversations with his three children. With family in both Palestine and Lebanon, Michael is careful about what he shares, aiming to inform his children without causing fear. His family in Lebanon has been forced to flee, and some remain in fear of losing their homes. Despite the difficult conversations, Michael explains the importance of teaching his children not to judge others and to avoid hatred.
Both parents emphasize the importance of keeping their children connected to their cultural heritage while navigating these challenging discussions. They encourage their children to understand democracy and the role of peaceful protests, while also sharing family stories, food, and traditions to instill pride in their background.
