Heba Abdulgader tries to call her family in Libya. (Photo by Kiran Alvi)
Heba Abdulgader is an international relations and global business major at USC. Amidst the situation in Libya, she says it has been difficult to concentrate on school.
Heba Abdulgader talks about how her family's struggles in Libya affect her daily life. (Video by Kiran Alvi)
“The hardest part is just being here and having to deal with everything knowing that my family is in complete danger,” said Abdulgader.
Abdulgader’s father was detained on Feb. 19 by security police. He is now in the hospital after passing out in prison.
“I’m very worried about him, but I’m starting to accept things happen for a reason,” Abdulgader said. “I’m literally sitting by phone all day waiting to hear some good news. “
Keeping in touch with her family has been difficult. She has been able to speak with her sister who has been updating her whenever phone lines are working.
“The only times we can talk are way in the middle of the night her time or way late here, so it’s weird timing,” Abdulgader said.
Abdulgader is hoping the violence ends and the people of Libya are liberated.
“It’s about time,” Abdulgader said. “This needs to happen. Of course, I’m hoping for the safety of my dad right now, but I’m also really, really hoping for the safety of every Libyan, Tunisian, Egyptian, Arab at the moment that really wants something called democracy.”
Abdulgader is working with groups in Los Angeles to have medical supplies sent to Libya. She says she wants to do whatever she can.
