Libyan student's family living in war zone
MUN grad student is having trouble focusing on his studies
CBC News
Posted: Oct 25, 2012 10:58 AM NT
Last Updated: Oct 25, 2012 1:49 PM NT
At a time when much international attention is focused on Syria, one Memorial University student's thoughts remain on Libya.
Graduate student Alwerfally arrived in St. John's from Libya in September.
A year after his native North African country was liberated, Alwerfally's hometown — Bani Walid — is under siege.
This graduate student from Libya worries about his family back home as he wanders the MUN campus. CBCThe computer science student asked CBC to call him Alwerfally instead of his real name to protect his relatives who are living in a war zone.
The death of dictator Moammar Gadhafi was supposed to mean a new free Libya, but Alwerfally says that's not the case for his town. Labelled pro-Gadhafi, Bani Walid continues to be shelled by pro-government forces, which have been attacking the town for weeks.
"What have I got from this? I've got nothing, I've lost my son, I've lost my car, my house is being burnt," said Alwerfally.
"What have I got? Freedom? I was living a better life before."
Day in, day out, Alwerfally finds himself unable to concentrate on his studies. While off-campus, he regularly checks social media to get the latest on his hometown.
The pictures online are grim and gruesome, while news from his family is scant.
"I've been watching this kind of bloodshed," said Alwerfally, eyes glued to his computer screen as he looks at scenes of violent fighting in the streets of Bani Walid. "It's my city and I'm looking at people I've seen and I've talked to."
"I've seen horrible things."
Alwerfally worries about his father and brother who have stayed in Bani Walid to protect their home.
The good news is that the rest of his family managed to get out.
"Hopefully they will be much better because they are in a safe place now," said Alwerfally.
He has two years left before he can return home, and hopes by then his community will be living in peace.
"We are living together. We have to deal with each other. Even if there are problems, we can solve the problems," said Alwerfally.
"There is always a way to get out of these problems — a safe way, a peaceful way."
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