The Morning Edition

Episode: Inside Dr Jamal Rifi's mission to bring 'ISIS brides' and children home
Host: Samantha Selinger-Morris (featuring journalist Michael Bachelard and Dr. Jamal Rifi)
Date: February 25, 2026

Overview

This episode takes listeners inside the humanitarian mission led by Dr. Jamal Rifi, a Sydney GP, to repatriate 34 Australian women and children—often dubbed "ISIS brides" and their children—from detention camps in northeastern Syria. The conversation explores Dr. Rifi's motivations, the political and security controversies surrounding their return, the lived reality of women and children in the camps, and the failed attempt at bringing them home. The interview also touches on the personal cost and the moral questions facing Australia as it contends with the legacy of the Islamic State.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Dr. Jamal Rifi Became Involved

• Dr. Rifi is not related to any women or children in the camps ([01:46]).
• He began countering ISIS recruitment among youth in 2014-2015, earning death threats for his efforts ([02:58]).
• His engagement transitioned into advocacy for stranded children, including medical advice via phone and messages to families in camps ([05:28]).
• He lobbied the Australian government to repatriate children from the camps, leading to some successful returns in 2019 ([03:30]).

2. Medical Support from Afar

• Dr. Rifi provided remote medical consultations for women and children, covering physical and psychological ailments ([05:28], [10:17]).
• His main concern is the wellbeing of the children, asserting, "I'm not here to judge what the woman has done, that's for the law agencies... My main interest is the well being of young Australian citizens" ([10:17]).

3. Political & Community Backlash

• Successful repatriations in 2022 faced political backlash; the government halted further efforts ([06:55]).
• The government told advocates, "They found their way there, they need to get back in" ([07:53]).
• Dr. Rifi and a group of Muslim, Christian, and Jewish professionals united over "our humanity and... our belief that those children should not suffer the consequences of their father’s or mother’s decisions" ([07:53], [08:46]).

4. Security Concerns and Public Fear

• There is widespread concern about the risk of radicalisation if these women and children return ([09:10]).
• Dr. Rifi argues that expert opinion and security agencies agree: "Australia is a much safer place if those children and mothers are brought to Australia where they can be monitored, rehabilitated, reintegrated into society and de-radicalized" ([09:19]).
• He believes Australian authorities can safely manage any risks ([29:08]).

5. Trauma in the Camps & Failed Repatriation Attempt

• Life in the camps is described as dangerous and traumatic: guards ransack tents, children extorted, and basic needs unmet ([13:37]).
• A recent repatriation attempt failed due to a media leak that endangered the group, resulting in a forced return to the camp—with children devastated to go back ([16:05]).
  • Memorable quote from a child: "I was heartbroken. I was crying. I told my mom, I don't want to go back to the prison." ([16:05])
• Some families lost their tents during this process and now face even worse conditions ([20:26]).

6. The Case of Yusuf Zahab

• Dr. Rifi carried a passport for Yusuf Zahab, taken to Syria at 12, later imprisoned in Iraq as part of mass detentions ([22:14]).

7. Lack of Government & Diplomatic Support

• The Syrian government was angered by Australian political rhetoric and media presence, now requiring written assurances from Australia they know won’t be forthcoming ([24:16]).
• Dr. Rifi has not been able to secure more support from Australia's Home Affairs Minister, despite prior personal and political connections ([25:56]).

8. Legal Ramifications for Humanitarian Efforts

• The opposition proposes laws that could charge helpers like Dr. Rifi with criminal offenses.
  • Dr. Rifi responds: “It is within a lawful right for any Australian citizen who has a passport to come in to their country, Australia. ... If I assist someone who has that right... and then they are going to take me to court or imprison me for doing that? It's extraordinary.” ([27:20])

9. On Justice and Compassion

• Dr. Rifi insists on distinguishing mothers’ possible wrongdoing from the innocence of children and calls for legal process for adults on return ([29:08], [30:44]):
  • "Those kids did not make any beds. They were actually sleeping rough. Someone else made the bed for them. They were forced to lie in it, not by their own volition." ([31:07])

10. Resettlement Experiences

• Returned women and children are reportedly doing well: children thrive at school, no issues with authorities, and one orphan writes poetry ([31:47]).
  • “They sorted themselves out. They're doing very well and they're looking after their kids and they're doing the odd jobs from time to time. And they had no issues with authorities whatsoever.” ([31:47])

Notable Quotes

• Child’s plea: “I want to go home because my family's there and I want to go to school and I want to learn more things. I want to be a doctor.” ([00:02])
• Dr. Rifi on the case for repatriation: “Australia is a much safer place if those children and mothers are brought to Australia where they can be monitored, rehabilitated, reintegrated into society and de-radicalized.” ([09:19])
• On government opposition: “We were told in no uncertain terms that the government’s policy ... [is] they’re not going to assist them.” ([06:55])
• On legal threats: “It’s extraordinary what it tells our communities at large when helping vulnerable Australians stuck in the camp ... to ... come to their home country ... does not reflect, in my view, our belief in Australia.” ([27:20])
• On children’s responsibility: “Those kids did not make any beds. ... Someone else made the bed for them. They were forced to lie in it, not by their own volition, but by the decision of people who were supposed to look after them.” ([31:07])

Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• Personal stories of the children—hopes, dreams, and heartbreak ([00:02], [00:27], [16:05])
• Dr. Rifi describing the risks he took to counter ISIS at home ([02:58])
• Failed escape from the camp and emotional fallout ([16:05]-[20:26])
• Details of ongoing trauma and instability in the camps ([13:37], [20:26])
• Strong defense of humanitarian aid against new proposed laws ([27:20])

Conclusion

This episode provides a nuanced look at the stark choices, political obstacles, and moral dilemmas confronting Australia over the fate of its citizens stranded after the fall of ISIS. It humanizes the “ISIS bride” children through firsthand voices, scrutinizes government reluctance, and shines a light on the compassion and persistence of advocates like Dr. Jamal Rifi. The tone is urgent, empathetic, and unflinching—asking listeners to consider not just security and politics, but also justice and humanity.