Meet Tareq Harara, A Dreamer from Gaza

The vibrant and playful illustrations that may have caught your eye in the design of this year’s Feast for Freedom were created by Tareq Harara, a multidisciplinary artist and a refugee. Tareq comes from Gaza, Palestine, and describes himself as “a dreamer from Gaza”. We caught up with him recently to learn more about his story.

In Gaza, he and his family faced unimaginable challenges due to ongoing war and instability. 

“Growing up in Gaza, I experienced both the beauty of our culture and the hardships that come with living in a region under constant conflict,” explains Tareq. “On one hand, Gaza is rich in history, tradition, and community. The warmth of family and the resilience of the people are incredible. On the other hand, the violence, the constant struggle for survival, and the limitations on daily life were difficult to navigate. The good and bad have shaped who I am today.”

During their time in Gaza, Tareq’s family endured the trauma of being bombed twice, miraculously surviving both bombings. “The bombing was a traumatic experience, not just physically, but emotionally as well,” remembers Tareq. “The constant fear of losing everything you hold dear, coupled with the uncertainty of the future, takes a heavy toll on you. It’s hard to describe the feeling of having your home destroyed and not knowing where you’ll go next. But in moments like these, you realize the true value of family, and it was the strength of my loved ones that helped us endure.”

Seeking safety and a future, the family recently moved to Australia in the hope of finding peace. “Seeking asylum was a journey full of fear and hope. Leaving Gaza was incredibly difficult, as I was leaving behind my home, my roots,” says Tareq. “But the need for safety and the opportunity to build a better future outweighed the fear of the unknown. The journey itself was long, filled with uncertainty, but I was fortunate to find safety and eventually settle in Australia, a place that has allowed me to rebuild my life.”

For many refugees and people seeking asylum, arriving in a country of refuge brings its own challenges. “Settling in Australia was a major transition,” recounts Tareq. “The cultural differences, the language barrier, and the feeling of being disconnected from everything familiar were all challenges I faced. But over time, I’ve learned to embrace the diversity and opportunities here. The community has been incredibly supportive, and I’ve found ways to adapt, whether through learning the language or getting involved in local cultural activities.

Tareq’s creative work is directly inspired by resilience, hope, and the cultural beauty of Palestine. He is proud to be Palestinian and to carry his heritage with him wherever he goes: “My art is a blend of personal experiences, cultural influences, and emotions. It is often inspired by my Palestinian roots, the journey of migration, and the resilience of those who face adversity.”

When asked to contribute to Feast for Freedom, Tareq was more than happy to share his art with a cause that resonated deeply with him: “The process of creating art for the Feast for Freedom was both challenging and rewarding. I enjoyed interpreting the Indian and Colombian cuisines through my own lens, merging the traditional with the modern.”

For this immensely talented dreamer, the dream is simple: “My dream for Gaza is simple yet powerful: peace, stability, a ceasefire and the rebuilding of our homeland, where people can live without fear. For the world, I dream of unity, understanding, and respect for all cultures. My hope is that we can move past division and create a future where everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity and freedom.”

At the ASRC we wholeheartedly join Tareq in his dream.