Ghada Rifai, a Rutgers—Newark Ph.D. student, fled war-torn Syria in 2012. Now residing in Newark, she is committed to amplifying Syrian voices through her studies. As a co-founder of the organization Mobaderoon, she promotes social responsibility and peace. Despite challenges, she feels at home in Newark and continues to advocate for peace in Syria, declaring, “We Syrians will never give up.”
Ghada Rifai, a Ph.D. student in Urban Studies at Rutgers—Newark, fled Syria in 2012 amidst the turmoil of the civil war. Arriving in Newark in August 2024, Rifai is dedicated to amplifying the voices of her fellow Syrians who continue to endure the prolonged 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,” stated Rifai, an architect and urban planner on a full scholarship.
Many Syrian refugees, including Rifai, escaped the oppressive regime of former President Bashar al-Assad, now residing in Russia. The conflict escalated dramatically in 2012, affecting her hometown of Aleppo. As of January 16, approximately 4.7 million Syrians have been registered as refugees, primarily seeking asylum in Turkey. Rifai and her family left their home with the expectation of a brief departure, but years passed, resulting in their separation across several countries.
Rifai articulated the ambiguous nature of becoming a refugee, noting, “It’s not a moment, like I (figured) out ‘I became a refugee.'” She has also faced anti-refugee sentiment and immigration obstacles, noting how political figures often use refugees as scapegoats for broader societal issues. “I feel like I have to explain myself all the time,” she commented regarding the misconceptions surrounding refugees.
In 2009, Rifai co-founded Mobaderoon, which fosters civic engagement and encourages peace. The organization emerged during wartime to unite individuals for dialogue and sharing concerns. It has garnered several accolades, including the 2024 Outstanding Peace Organization Award from the Luxembourg Peace Prize, and now connects over 4,000 individuals worldwide.
At Rutgers—Newark, Rifai expressed feeling integrated and supported by the university community. “I do not feel like I am different. I feel like really I belong, and everyone is an added value,” she shared. Although a peaceful resolution for Syria remains elusive, Rifai emphasized the ongoing efforts of the Syrian diaspora to advocate for their homeland, stating, “We Syrians will never give up.”
The Syrian Civil War has precipitated one of the largest refugee crises in history, with millions fleeing the devastation wrought by the conflict. The regime of Bashar al-Assad has faced opposition forces since the war began in 2011, leading to significant casualties and displacement. Many refugees, like Ghada Rifai, have settled in various countries, where they continue to advocate for their homeland and document their experiences academically and socially.
Ghada Rifai’s journey highlights the resilience of Syrian refugees and their commitment to advocating for their homeland. Despite facing numerous challenges, including anti-refugee sentiment and family separation, she has remained dedicated to her academic pursuits and civic initiatives. Through her efforts, she illuminates the plight of Syrians affected by the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the importance of community and support in her new home in Newark.
Original Source: www.dailytargum.com
