Ghada Rifai, a Syrian refugee and Ph.D. student at Rutgers—Newark, shares her experience of fleeing war and advocating for her homeland. Despite challenges related to her identity as a refugee, she remains active in promoting peace through her organization, Mobaderoon, and her academic work, fostering community and resilience among Syrians.
Ghada Rifai, a Ph.D. student in Urban Studies at Rutgers—Newark, fled Syria amidst the civil war in 2012 due to the threat posed by bombings. Arriving in Newark in August 2024, she is committed to raising awareness about her homeland’s struggles while contributing to academia. Her work is motivated by a desire to document local support for Syrians affected by the ongoing conflict.
As a refugee from Aleppo, Rifai represents many who escaped the oppressive regime of former President Bashar al-Assad. Despite the hope of returning home soon, her family has been separated, living in different countries. Over 4.7 million Syrians are recognized as registered refugees as of January 16, predominantly in Turkey, facing immense hardships.
Rifai emphasized the complex identity of being a refugee, stating, “It’s not a moment, like I (figured) out ‘I became a refugee.'” She has encountered anti-refugee sentiments and immigration hurdles, exacerbated by political rhetoric. “I feel like I have to explain myself all the time,” she noted, reflecting the challenges faced by many refugees.
In 2009, Ghada co-founded Mobaderoon, aiming to foster social responsibility and communal peace during the crisis. The organization encourages dialogue and collaboration towards peacebuilding, receiving accolades such as the 2024 Outstanding Peace Organization Award from Luxembourg Peace Prize, and now boasts a network of over 4,000 members.
At Rutgers—Newark, Rifai values the supportive community, feeling a sense of belonging among her peers. She articulates that each person adds unique value to their collective efforts. Rifai recognizes the long journey towards peace in Syria but assures that the Syrian diaspora remains dedicated to the cause, stating, “In news, there’s nothing about Syria. But we Syrians will never give up.”
The Syrian Civil War has caused immense upheaval, leading millions to flee their homeland in search of safety and stability. This protracted conflict, which began in 2011, has resulted in widespread violence and persecution, particularly under the regime of Bashar al-Assad. With the United Nations reporting millions of registered refugees, many continue to advocate for the plight of those remaining in Syria, including through scholarly work and peace advocacy
Ghada Rifai’s journey from Syria to pursuing a Ph.D. in Urban Studies reflects the resilience of refugees facing adversity. Despite her struggles and the complex identity of being a refugee, she remains committed to amplifying the voices of those affected by the ongoing conflict. Through her academic work and civic initiatives, she illustrates the potential for positive change amidst great hardship, inspiring hope among displaced communities.
Original Source: www.dailytargum.com
