Ghada Rifai, a Ph.D. student at Rutgers—Newark, fled Syria in 2012 and now advocates for her homeland amid the ongoing civil war. Despite challenges faced as a refugee, she finds purpose in her studies and community work. Co-founder of Mobaderoon, she emphasizes social responsibility and peacebuilding while maintaining hope for Syria’s future despite its lack of media attention.
Ghada Rifai, a Ph.D. student at Rutgers—Newark, fled Syria in 2012 due to violent bombings threatening her existence. Now pursuing her advanced studies in Urban Studies, she aims to give a voice to those impacted by the enduring Syrian Civil War. “All my assignments, all my writing, whatever I do, I do for Syria,” she asserts, demonstrating her commitment to her homeland.
The Syrian Civil War, largely rooted in opposition to the former regime of Bashar al-Assad, caused Rifai’s family to flee with limited belongings, expecting to return quickly. However, years later, familial separation occurred, with her brother in the Netherlands and her mother in Canada. Rifai reflects on the ambiguous nature of refugee identity: “It’s not a moment, like I (figured) out ‘I became a refugee.'”
Rifai has encountered negative sentiments towards refugees and immigration hurdles, often needing to defend her presence. She co-founded Mobaderoon in 2009, promoting social responsibility and peace during wartime. “When the war started, we found that we have the ability to put people together,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of dialogue for peacebuilding efforts.
At Rutgers—Newark, Rifai finds a supportive academic environment, stating, “I feel like I belong, and everyone is an added value.” Although a peaceful resolution for Syria seems distant, she remains optimistic about the Syrian diaspora’s active role. “In news, there’s nothing about Syria,” she concludes, reaffirming that Syrians shall persist in their advocacy.
The ongoing Syrian Civil War has spurred one of the most significant refugee crises in recent history, with millions of Syrians displaced from their homes. Ghada Rifai is among those who fled in search of safety and stability. As a Ph.D. candidate at Rutgers—Newark, she utilizes her academic platform to address issues faced by her compatriots, all while navigating the complexities of her refugee status.
Ghada Rifai’s story symbolizes the resilience of Syrian refugees amidst adversity. With a determined focus on advocating for her homeland through academia and community engagement, she highlights both the plight and strength of those affected by the Syrian Civil War. As she continues her studies and advocacy work, Rifai exemplifies the unyielding spirit of the Syrian people in their quest for peace and recognition.
Original Source: www.dailytargum.com
