PCIA settlement team
PCIA Settelement team
For the past two and a half years, the PCIA Settlement Team has been at the forefront of welcoming and supporting refugees arriving in Australia from Gaza and the West Bank. Our dedicated team provides more than just administrative guidance; we offer a compassionate bridge to a new life, helping families navigate the complexities of settlement with dignity and hope. From securing essential housing and healthcare to fostering community connections, we are committed to ensuring every individual has the resources and support they need to thrive in their new home.
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Suzan Wahhab
Suzan Wahhab serves as the President of Palestinian Christians in Australia (PCIA) and the lead for PCIA’s Settlement Services Team.
When the first families arrived from Gaza in November 2023, Suzan spearheaded a bold initiative to provide immediate relief. Starting with just $40,000, she orchestrated a massive community effort that raised over $1.3 million. These vital funds have enabled the team to provide housing and essential settlement support for more than 100 families across Western Sydney and Melbourne, turning a grassroots response into a life-changing mission.
Trivia info: Suzan Family is originally from Ramleh and Lydda. She was born in Jerusalem and grew up in Ramallah.
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Yasmin Saba
Originally from Gaza, Yasmin Saba is Head of Social Programs at PCIA, supporting newly arrived Palestinian and refugee families in Australia. She used to work in Gaza as a social worker, and her displacement during the 2023 war informs her empathy and resilience.
Yasmin leads programs promoting dignity, stability and integration. With her husband and two children, she turned personal hardship into a mission to create belonging through partnerships and advocacy, believing community strength lies in embracing people in crisis.
Trivia info: Yasmin Family is originally from Ramleh and Lydda. She was born in Gaza and lived most of her life in Gaza city.
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Michelle Kharman
As the Furniture Coordinator at PCIA since November 2023, Michelle transforms houses into homes by managing the end-to-end logistics of furniture procurement. She expertly sources donations through social media and coordinates a vast network of volunteers and removalists across Sydney.
Michelle is distinguished by her meticulous quality assurance, personally vetting every piece to ensure it meets her high standards. Driven by a commitment to dignity, she ensures every family receives quality goods that reflect the respect they deserve.
Trivia info: Michelle Family is originally from the old city of Jerusalem. She was born in Sydney.
Testimonials from gaza families
“I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for PCiA's remarkable generosity in supporting us with our rent payment. Your assistance has been invaluable in alleviating our financial burden, allowing us to focus on moving forward. We are profoundly touched by your commitment to helping us during these challenging times. Your support serves as a testament to your organization's values and unwavering dedication to the community. We are incredibly grateful for this partnership and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to support those in need in the future.”
Rami Tarazi
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“We would like to thank PCIA for helping us from the first day we arrived in Sydney in November 2023. We are pleased to extend our sincere thanks for all your varied services and assistance, whether financial and advisory, represented by covering the rent for 6 months, and providing the necessary furniture, electrical appliances and the entire kitchen. Also appreciate in helping to get my son a scholarship at a Catholic school. You never stopped asking us about our needs. Therefore, we extend our sincere thanks to you for all assistance and support. God bless you.”
Lina J.