Ghada Rifai, a Ph.D. student at Rutgers—Newark, fled Syria due to the civil war in 2012. Now in Newark, she emphasizes the need to document Syrian experiences and has co-founded Mobaderoon, an initiative focused on peace-building. Despite challenges as a refugee, she finds support in her academic community while continuing her fight for a peaceful resolution for Syria.
Ghada Rifai, a Ph.D. student at Rutgers—Newark, fled Syria due to the devastating civil war back in 2012. After relocating to Newark in August 2024, she not only pursues her studies in Urban Studies but also emphasizes the need to document the plight of those who remain in Syria amid ongoing conflict. “I believe we at a local level are doing great work, and we need to document it in academia. So that’s why all my assignments, all my writing, whatever I do, I do for Syria,” she states, reflecting her dedication to her homeland.
Having escaped the turmoil in Aleppo, Rifai’s journey is emblematic of many Syrian refugees facing political oppression under the regime of Bashar al-Assad. According to the Associated Press, the protracted violence has rendered nearly 4.7 million Syrians as registered refugees, primarily in Turkey. Rifai and her family fled under the hope of a quick return, yet they ultimately became separated, each seeking refuge in different countries.
Rifai candidly portrays the complexities of her refugee status, explaining, “It’s not a moment, like I (figured) out ‘I became a refugee.'” She has encountered discrimination and challenges surrounding her identity as a refugee, noting how she often feels compelled to justify her presence. “I feel like I have to explain myself all the time,” she adds.
In 2009, she co-founded Mobaderoon, an initiative designed to foster civic engagement and peaceful discourse in her community. As the war escalated, the organization worked to ease the barriers of communication among individuals affected by conflict. Mobaderoon has gained significant recognition, winning awards including the 2024 Outstanding Peace Organization Award from Luxembourg Peace Prize, and it now comprises a network of over 4,000 members.
At Rutgers—Newark, Rifai expresses gratitude for the support of her academic community, describing it as a welcoming environment. “I do not feel like I am different. I feel like really I belong, and everyone is an added value,” she remarks, affirming the inclusive spirit of her new home. While she acknowledges that a peaceful resolution for Syria may take time, she maintains that the Syrian diaspora remains steadfast in their commitment to their homeland. “In news, there’s nothing about Syria,” she concludes, “but we Syrians will never give up.”
The article highlights the experience of Ghada Rifai, who fled Syria in 2012 due to the escalating civil war. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Urban Studies at Rutgers—Newark, Rifai illustrates the ongoing struggle faced by Syrian refugees and her commitment to advocating for her country. The plight of Syrian refugees is marked by separation from family members, challenges related to their refugee status, and the ongoing commitment to peace-building initiatives.
Ghada Rifai’s journey from war-torn Syria to Rutgers—Newark embodies the resilience of refugees in the face of immense challenges. Her commitment to documenting the Syrian experience through her academic work and her efforts to promote peace highlights the active role of the Syrian diaspora. Despite the difficulties they face, there remains a shared determination among Syrians to advocate for their country and strive for a brighter future.
Original Source: www.dailytargum.com
