A stretch of Bay Ridge along 5th Avenue is home to a large Palestinian population. Bahaa Shabati grew up in the West Bank and described what it’s like for him as the Israel-Hamas war continues.
“It’s so sad, it’s so sad,” Shabati said. “Need peace.”
What You Need To Know
- Bay Ridge, Brooklyn is home to a large Palestinian population
- Bahaa Shabati has family in the West Bank
- Shabati grew up in the West Bank and now owns King's Barbershop
- Civilians in Gaza are running out of food and water and hospitals there are expected to run out of fuel
Shabati’s family is in the West Bank. He has owned King’s Barbershop for 8 years.
“My entire family, I’m the only one here I’m supporting them. They are under attack. They are under rockets,” Shabati said.
Since Hamas’ attack last Saturday, over 3,600 people have died in total: more than 2,600 Palestinians and more than 1,400 Israelis. Fighting is expected to escalate along the Gaza Strip.
Hundreds of thousands of Gaza residents are evacuating the northern territory. Civilians are running out of food and water and Gaza’s hospitals are expected to run out of fuel.
President Biden posted this on X, formerly known as Twitter, regarding the Palestinian community:
I spoke with Palestinian Authority President Abbas to condemn Hamas’ attack on Israel and reiterate that Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination.
— President Biden (@POTUS) October 15, 2023
I assured him that we're working with partners in the region to ensure…
Shabati said he is staying strong for his homeland and shared his hopes for the future.
“Peace and our state, take our lands back,” Shabati said.
Until then, he works at his barbershop hoping his family is staying safe.