Ghada Rifai: A Syrian Refugee’s Journey and Advocacy Through Academia

Ghada Rifai, a Syrian refugee and Ph.D. student at Rutgers—Newark, fled her war-torn homeland in 2012. Now in Newark, she advocates for the voices of Syrians affected by the ongoing conflict while pursuing her academic goals in Urban Studies. She co-founded Mobaderoon, a civic training organization promoting peace, and emphasizes the importance of community support in her journey.

Ghada Rifai, a Ph.D. student at Rutgers—Newark, fled the Syrian Civil War in 2012 due to life-threatening bombings in her hometown of Aleppo. Arriving in Newark in August 2024, she now focuses on her studies in Urban Studies and amplifying the voices of Syrians enduring 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,” shared Rifai, an architect and urban planner with a full scholarship.

Syrian refugees, including Rifai, escaped the oppressive regime of former President Bashar al-Assad, whose government has been embroiled in violent conflict with opposition forces since 2012. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that around 4.7 million Syrians are currently registered as refugees, predominantly seeking safety in Turkey. Initially packing lightly, Rifai and her family thought they would return home in a few months, but the ongoing crisis led to years of separation.

“It is not a moment, like I (figured) out ‘I became a refugee,'” Rifai reflected on her experience. Many refugees, including herself, have faced feelings of alienation and hostility, especially in light of political figures portraying them as scapegoats for national issues. “I feel like I have to explain myself all the time,” she expressed, highlighting the challenges faced by those in her situation.

In 2009, she co-founded Mobaderoon, a civic engagement organization aimed at enhancing social responsibility and fostering peace. The framework was designed to unite individuals for dialogue during the onset of the war, emphasizing the need for peacebuilding efforts. Mobaderoon has garnered several accolades, including the 2024 Outstanding Peace Organization Award from the Luxembourg Peace Prize, and now boasts a vibrant network of over 4,000 participants.

At Rutgers—Newark, Rifai has found a supportive and welcoming community, stating, “I do not feel like I am different. I feel like really I belong, and everyone is an added value.” Despite the uncertainties surrounding Syria’s future, she believes in the solidarity and resilience of the Syrian diaspora. “In news, there is nothing about Syria,” she lamented, but insisted, “we Syrians will never give up.”

Ghada Rifai’s journey as a Syrian refugee highlights the broader context of the civil war in Syria, which has forced millions to seek asylum abroad. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant social, political, and economic turmoil, leading to widespread displacement. With 4.7 million registered refugees as of January 2023, stories like Rifai’s serve to illuminate the lived experiences of those affected by the war and the stigma they face in new environments. Additionally, organizations like Mobaderoon play a crucial role in peacebuilding and community cohesion, offering refugees a platform to express their challenges and aspirations.

In conclusion, Ghada Rifai’s experiences as a refugee and her commitment to advocating for peace and representation of her homeland underscore the resilience of the Syrian diaspora. The support she has found at Rutgers—Newark serves as a testament to the importance of community in overcoming adversity. As she continues her academic journey and social initiatives, Rifai embodies hope for a peaceful future in Syria and inspires others to persevere in their fight for justice and recognition.

Original Source: www.dailytargum.com