Article by Lisa Accadia, AMES Australia
We recently sat down to interview Bushra, a Syrian who arrived in Australia toward the end of 2016. Bushra spoke generously to us about her life, culture, and faith. What we discovered was a warm-hearted woman whose love for life and good humour was not foreign. We hope that her approach to life and...
Born and raised in Australia, Leo (Soltan) Alhalabi identifies both as a proud Aussie and a proud Syrian. On visits to Syria, he has noted the love and support people show each other in moments of celebration and crisis. Most of Leo’s extended family still lives in Syria.
Leo is CEO of LGT Tutoring and is a former Victorian, Australian...
Days full of music and joy
I came to Australia with my family in March 2015, so I have been here for two years. We are sorry that we had to come here as refugees, but we feel very lucky to be able to come here. We are really grateful to the people of Australia for accepting us and...
Children have a right to play, but in Damascus the ruined streets are their playground. Dateline reveals the harsh lessons they've already learnt about war. For more on Luke Waters' story, go to the SBS Dateline website... http://bit.ly/1oLN9lV
- From SBS Dateline, First Published Feb 23, 2016
Interview with Lubna, recorded by Susan Dirgham in 2010
Extract:
In regard to women’s issues and the equality of the sexes, what are some of the differences of opinion in Syria?
You have a whole range of opinions. For example, men are demanding their rights, like to be equal to the women! They are saying, like, women have more rights than...
What dreams or ambitions did you have in the past? And now?
In the past I had an ambition to become a schoolteacher to participate in preparing a Syrian generation that is aware and cultured. However, my ambition has grown now and I want to become a university professor and a professional tour guide.
How do you recognize that someone is...
How do you recognize that someone is Syrian? Are there any common characteristics?
Syrians are distinguished for being kind to everyone, even to strangers. For example, a Syrian would rush to give a helping hand to a blind person to cross the street. Another instance, a Syrian would immediately help an old person carrying heavy things into his/her house. A...
One must work long and hard to arrive at the truthful. What I want and set as my goal is damned difficult, and yet I don’t believe I’m aiming too high. I want to make drawings that move some people … Whether in figures or in landscapes, I would like to express not something sentimentally melancholic but deep sorrow....
NAME: Suhail Sawa
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Graduated with a Bachelor degree in Architecture, Syria
Personal Ambition: To be a referee in the World Cup
Can you explain your love for football (soccer)?
Since childhood, until today, soccer has been my eternal love and inspiration in life. Soccer gives me strength, determination and patience. It’s a miniature model of real life because in soccer, you...
- By Ninos Sawa
LEAVING BEHIND
It’s a sad feeling when you leave your home. I have left my home only physically. My heart and mind are still in Syria.
I miss my college, friends, and the house I grew up in. I hope it hasn’t been destroyed or bombed. I don’t have any information about it now.
THE REFUGEE EXPERIENCE
Refugees need to...
