Ghada Rifai, a Ph.D. student at Rutgers—Newark, escaped Syria in 2012 and is now advocating for her fellow countrymen amidst a protracted civil war. With a background in architecture and civic activism, she founded Mobaderoon to promote peace and social responsibility. Despite facing challenges as a refugee, she feels welcomed in her community and emphasizes the ongoing fight for Syria’s future.
Ghada Rifai, a Ph.D. student in Urban Studies at Rutgers—Newark, fled Syria in 2012 due to the violent bombings during the civil war. After arriving in Newark in August 2024, she is committed to amplifying the voices of Syrians affected by nearly 14 years of conflict. Rifai, a 46-year-old architect with a full scholarship, emphasizes the importance of documenting local efforts to contribute to academia, stating, “So that’s why all my assignments, all my writing, whatever I do, I do for Syria.”
Syrian refugees, including Rifai, have escaped the oppressive regime of former President Bashar al-Assad. By January 2024, around 4.7 million Syrians were registered as refugees, mostly in Turkey. As Rifai and her family fled, they carried minimal belongings, expecting a brief separation that ultimately became indefinite, leaving them geographically dispersed in the Netherlands and Canada. She explains the complexity of her refugee identity, noting that “It’s not a moment, like I (figured) out ‘I became a refugee.'”
Rifai describes the adverse experiences of encountering anti-refugee sentiment in her new home. Motivated by the challenges faced by refugees, she co-founded Mobaderoon in 2009, a civic training organization focused on social responsibility and peace promotion. The initiative has gained considerable recognition, winning several awards including the 2024 Outstanding Peace Organization Award from the Luxembourg Peace Prize, and has grown to encompass over 4,000 members.
At Rutgers—Newark, Rifai appreciates the support and friendliness of her community. “I feel like I belong,” she expresses, appreciating the diverse contributions of others. Despite the bleak outlook regarding the future of Syria, she remains hopeful and active, joining a determined diaspora advocating for their homeland. “But we Syrians will never give up,” she asserts, despite the media’s silence on the ongoing crisis.
Ghada Rifai’s journey from Syria to the United States highlights the ongoing struggles faced by millions of Syrians affected by civil war. Since its onset in March 2011, the conflict has forced millions to flee, seeking asylum in different countries while leaving their homes behind. Rifai’s story particularly illustrates the challenges encountered by refugees, including identity, separation from family, and the efforts to contribute positively to their new communities while advocating for those still in Syria.
Ghada Rifai’s story underscores the resilience of Syrian refugees in the face of adversity. Despite her traumatic experiences and the challenges of starting anew in a foreign country, she continues to contribute to academia and community-building efforts. Through her work, she seeks to document and share the experiences of her fellow Syrians, compassionately reminding the world that the plight of Syrians is ongoing and deserving of attention.
Original Source: www.dailytargum.com
