Prayers answered for Hazara community after hiker Hadi Nazari found alive

For Melbourne's close-knit Hazara community, the news of hiker Hadi Nazari's rescue was the talk of the town on Wednesday night. Akram Yousofi from the Hazara Shamaa Association in Melbourne's southeast said people were "very happy" that Hadi had been found safe.

"Everyone in the Hazara community is talking about him, not just on social media but everywhere," Yousofi said. "It's really good news for us... everyone is happy and relieved that he was found alive and safe." Mr. Nazari, 23, embraced friends and family on Wednesday afternoon, appearing in good condition, after being lost in the bush for almost two weeks.

The public remains curious about how the student survived his ordeal in Kosciuszko National Park. From limited details, we know he found two muesli bars, picked berries, and drank from streams. He found a hut for shelter and recorded a message on his camera, which was discovered days before he called out to passing hikers and was rescued.

Raza Jaghori, from the Hazara Hiking Group and a friend of Mr. Nazari, spoke to ABC Radio Melbourne. “The whole community is very happy, the first thing he said was asking about his parents, especially his mother.” The Hazara people are Shia Muslims from central Afghanistan who have fled repeated persecution, including from the Taliban, for safety in countries including Australia.

Bashir Fayaz, executive director of the Australian Hazara Council Federation, said the 100,000-strong community was deeply relieved. “On behalf of the entire community, I would like to express my gratitude,” he said. “It’s an incredible outcome. Thanks to the NSW Police Force, the State Emergency Services, and the many volunteers for their dedication and professionalism.” “The Hazara community has experienced countless traumas in Afghanistan. They came to Australia for safety – and obviously when Mr. Hadi went missing, the whole community was traumatized again, it was devastating for all of us.”

Ali Qasimi from the Hazara Hiking Group said some members of the group also joined the search. One member, while on holiday at a holy site in Karbala, Iraq, prayed for Mr. Nazari’s safe return, a spiritual place for the community. Mr. Qasimi said hiking and exploring mountains is a deep-seated passion for many Hazara people. “Hazara people love the mountains, from a young age we go to the mountains,” he said. “I think the main reason he survived two weeks without food, without water, is that he had a lot of experience in hiking.”

Mr. Qasimi said he himself had been lost in a national park in Queensland in 2008, although only for six or seven hours, he found his way – even that was scary. “I know … in the bush, with dense trees, how difficult it is to find your way or direction. It’s hard to find your way,” he said. “But (Hadi) did very well, very exceptionally.” Mr. Qasimi said the community's prayers had been answered. On the group’s Facebook page, he changed the profile picture to pay tribute to the rescuers who worked to save Mr. Nazari.

Mr. Fayaz said it was the community’s cohesiveness that kept everyone optimistic. “This moment is particularly significant for the Hazara community, it reflects the strength that binds us together, and the importance of supporting each other in times of need,” he said. Mr. Yousofi added that Mr. Nazari’s ordeal was a prime example of Hazara people’s determination. “They come here to build a life from scratch, you have to provide for your family,” he said. He said the vibrant community has grown and thrived in construction, small business, professional fields, and even local politics.

“From being persecuted in different regions, to coming here with a language barrier and being away from their families for a long time … I think that is the definition of resilience,” he said. “Hadi is a great example of resilience as well – never giving up.” Raza Jaghori said the Hazara people were thankful to the wider Australian community for standing with them when they needed help. “People cancelled their holiday plans just to go and look for him. It’s amazing.” “I believe Hadi will be grateful for the rest of his life.”