Ola had a big wedding planned in Gaza to her Australian-Palestinian husband in November but Israel's assault on the blockaded enclave forced her to flee for her life and become an asylum-seeker.
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The 26-year-old had done the katb el-kitab (Islamic marriage contract) before the offensive but did not get the chance for a ceremony to celebrate her new marriage.
"My family always imagined me as a bride so it is very hard because I'm here, but they are there," she said.
The ongoing offensive has claimed over 37,000 lives in retaliation to Hamas-led militants killing 1200 Israelis and capturing about 250 hostages on October 7.
Ola survived constant bombings before managing to make it to Melbourne about four months ago.
A former freelance trainer with a degree in translation, she has been working for a week at The Beautiful Bunch, a social enterprise florist that employs refugees and asylum-seekers.
"We cannot heal our trauma. It's a very bad situation in Gaza but (we) are trying," she said
Founded by Jane Marx in October 2020 during the lockdowns, the business offers an eight-month paid training program to recently arrived young women.
Called Bud to Bloom, the program starts with foundational floristry, building botanical knowledge which is followed by floral arrangements.
"Young women, in particular, are not given that crucial first job in Australia," Ms Marx said.
"These women have arrived, many of them without any form of government support by way of Centrelink, Medicare or caseworkers.
"They don't have a caseworker to say 'Welcome to Melbourne, Australia -this is how life works here'."
Ms Marx markets the bouquets the trainee florists create so that people can support them directly and know the money is going toward paying their wages.
On Thursday, the shop had two offerings: the World Refugee Day special for $80 and a Girls from Gaza bouquet for $50.
"They are desperate for two things. One, to work, because they really need money and, secondly, to have a reason to get up in the morning, and we're able to provide both those things," Ms Marx said.
"The government has not recognised them seeking refuge here."
Not a single humanitarian visa has been issued to Palestinians escaping Gaza since the conflict erupted eight months ago.
Under questioning from Greens senator David Shoebridge and independent senator David Pocock, Home Affairs officials revealed during Senate estimates last month that it had approved 2686 visitor visas for Palestinians and rejected 4614.
As of the end of April, 2191 Palestinians were holding tourist visas and six had been granted a subsequent bridging visa.
Ola's 21-year-old sister-in-law, Shatha, has been in Australia for two months.
She said being surrounded by delicate petals and ornate floral arrangements was a welcome distraction from the constant anxiety worrying about family members stuck in Gaza.
"Our minds and hearts are still in Gaza and all of the time we think of our relatives and friends and family. They are stuck there in the genocide and suffering," Shatha said.
"Working at The Beautiful Bunch combines my love for art, nature and making meaningful connections with others.
"It's a great opportunity to connect with customers, helping them choose the perfect arrangements for their special occasions or to brighten someone's day.
"This helps me to bring happiness and peace again to my life."
The software engineering student likened living under Israeli bombs for six months as being "in a bad dream that you can't wake up from".
"We lost everything that we built, everything we planned and dreamt of was destroyed but we survived and moved to Australia to start a new life," Shatha said.
She is hopeful she can soon return to finishing her studies.
"We are starting from zero, with a new language, new culture, new country so we have to be hard workers."
Australian Associated Press
