Exclusive with Laura Correa: A Colombian Latina volunteering in Israel

The conflict between Palestine and Israel is one of the oldest and most complex in the world. In recent days, the confrontation has intensified, with the atrocious attack by the terrorist group Hamas in which civilians including babies were brutally murdered, and women raped. 

Amid this intricate reality is Laura Correa, a 28-year-old Colombian residing in Israel. She moved there five years ago to be with her husband and his family despite her own family remaining in Colombia. 

Her story, like that of many families, is intertwined with military service and the struggle for survival and peace. She was moved to help after tragedy struck the first day of the attacks on Oct. 7 when her husband's family lost a close friend who was driving an ambulance.

Laura, who is originally from Medellín, has been in Israel for over five years, where she lives with her Israeli husband, Mateo, a software developer. Her life, marked by a strong sense of belonging and solidarity, has been shaken by the war that ravages the region.

In an exclusive interview with with ADN América, the young woman shared the dilemma she faced when her husband, Mateo, decided to join the Israeli army following the attacks by the Hamas group.

"The sense of belonging they have to the army is very strong," she said. "He told me that his friends are going and that he was going to fight with them," Laura explained.

"I remember my mom's advice: if you can't change the situation, you have to change your attitude," Laura said as she struggled to explain how she found the strength to face what unfolded into an emotionally challenging situation.

But instead if remaining on the sidelines, Laura decided to help Israel directly as well by taking an active role and preparing military uniforms for Israeli Defense Forces.

She said her job is to keep an eagle eye on the importance of every detail for the soldiers.

The war and its impact on the daily lives of Israelis have left traces on Laura, who has experienced panic attacks. However, she finds comfort in volunteering and solidarity.

"What makes me feel good during these times of war is to make my heart happy, and the only way is through volunteering," she said.

Her mother-in-law and the support of other military wives provide her with calm during these turbulent times. Despite fear and uncertainty, Laura maintains hope and determination to face this challenge alongside her husband.

The young woman concluded with a message of resilience and pride, calling on humanity to prevent this tragedy from happening again and to embrace diversity and tolerance. Her story is a testimony of courage and solidarity in the midst of difficult times.

"A lot of people tell me to leave, but if my husband is fighting to protect us I'd rather stay here and volunteer and help people who are alone," she explained. She says this is because "at times of war, there are many affected, not only those who lose their lives and the soldiers who fight, but many people who are now alone in their houses who need someone to talk to. So I tell myself that I have remain armed with courage even if I am afraid." 

She says that she has been moved by the fact that there are still tens of thousands of people left in the war zone and she feels compelled to help them.

She said she gets strength from her new Israeli family and disciplining herself to only watch a limited amount of news every day. 

"My mother in law is the one that gives me strength and calms me down. She says that unless they have to enter by land, my husband will be safe. I began reducing the amount of news I watch. I only do it for one hour a day because if I keep watching In start feeling desperate, thinking about everything that can happen to him."

Laura says that despite the hardships the war has created, she is empowered by the challenges and knowing how important it is to help stop Hamas. 

"The pain starts making you stronger," she explained. "Hamas has no limit, they have no humanity... I get the chills just thinking we could be in the hands of those terrorists. I would rather die. "

She added that there is no middle ground in this conflict. 

I want the world to know what kind of enemy Hamas is. This is not about territories or religions. It's about exterminating the Jewish race. People need to be very clear that they are either on the side of the terrorists or they are on the side of Israel."

For more details about Laura's story, please watch her video interview with ADN América.