Mirva Helenius

More inclusive communications, visual storytelling & futures

“Finally, I see some light” / Syyrian sodan pakolaisten tarinoita

- a story of Syrian refugee family in Jordan


Syyrian sotaan liittyviä juttujani suomeksi myös Maailman Kuvalehdessä, Suomen Kuvalehdessä, STT:llä, Kansan Uutisissa, Kehitys-lehdessä, Vihreä Lanka -lehdessä 1 ja Vihreä Lanka -lehdessä 2

“Finally, I see some light”

A decade ago it seemed like a dream could come true for Nafe Ahmad Khalifah from Syria. For two years he had worked long days making pastry in Thailand, hoping to one day have his own little bakery and house. In 2009, he finally returned home with enough savings to start building.

“I came back to Syria with a small amount of money and a big dream to live there with my family for the rest of my days. I never thought I would have to leave again”, Nafe Ahmad Khalifah says.

As Mr. Khalifah started to build his house and his business, the Syria crisis began. At first, he was not worried, just thought that it will be over in a few days. As those days turned into weeks and into months and finally into years, and there was no end at sight, fear took over him and his family.

“One night, my firstborn daughter got so scared by the sounds of shooting nearby that all night she held onto me very tightly, refusing to let go. I still remember how desperate I felt when I realized that we have to leave.”

The beginning of the year 2013 was very dark for the family: their house was destroyed in the conflict. The family fled to Jordan, where they were first taken to Zaatari refugee camp. It’s still difficult for Nafe Ahmad Khalifah to even talk about this time.

“I was not even really living, just trying to survive and keep my family alive. This was the darkest period of my life.”

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