Ghada Rifai: A Syrian Refugee’s Journey to Academia and Advocacy
Ghada Rifai, a Ph.D. student at Rutgers—Newark, fled Syria in 2012 due to the Civil War. She advocates for fellow Syrians and promotes peace through her civic organization Mobaderoon. Rifai, who feels welcome in Newark, highlights the ongoing struggles of refugees and the need for their narratives to be heard.
Ghada Rifai, a Ph.D. student at Rutgers—Newark, escaped the chaos of the Syrian Civil War in 2012 after bombings threatened her survival. She arrived in Newark in August 2024, where she is pursuing her Ph.D. in Urban Studies while advocating for the voices of Syrians affected by the ongoing conflict. At 46, Rifai, an architect and urban planner, emphasizes the importance of academic documentation of local efforts in Syria’s plight. “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,” she stated.
Rifai’s flight from Aleppo was prompted by a regime under former President Bashar al-Assad, as brutal government-opposition conflicts escalated in her city. Since 2012, approximately 4.7 million Syrians have been registered as refugees, predominantly seeking refuge in Turkey, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Rifai fled with her family, anticipating a short duration away from home, a hope that turned into years of separation across continents. “It’s not a moment, like I (figured) out ‘I became a refugee,'” Rifai reflected on the complexity of her refugee identity.
Throughout her journey, Rifai has faced anti-refugee sentiments and immigration barriers, as political narratives often blame refugees for societal issues. She expressed her frustration, stating, “I feel like I have to explain myself all the time.” In an effort to promote peace and social responsibility, Rifai co-founded Mobaderoon in 2009, which has since become a vital platform for civic engagement. “When the war started, we found that we have the ability to put people together … and we’ll be able to facilitate this process of talking and sharing their thoughts and fears and we start to work on peacebuilding,” she explained. Mobaderoon has garnered international recognition, including the 2024 Outstanding Peace Organization Award from the Luxembourg Peace Prize.
At Rutgers—Newark, Rifai feels a sense of belonging and support from the community, appreciating its kindness and inclusivity. “I don’t feel like I’m different. I feel like really I belong, and everyone is an added value. There is something that everyone can add to whatever we do collectively,” she noted. Although the path to a peaceful Syria appears challenging, Rifai emphasizes that the Syrian diaspora remains resolute and takes action for their homeland. “In news, there’s nothing about Syria,” she stated, “But we Syrians will never give up.”
The article highlights the experiences of Ghada Rifai, a Syrian refugee and Ph.D. student, showcasing her personal journey from fleeing the Syrian Civil War to pursuing higher education in the United States. Set against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict, it illustrates the struggles of many Syrian refugees, the efforts to document their experiences academically, and the importance of community in fostering a sense of belonging. Additionally, it underscores the work of organizations like Mobaderoon in promoting peace and social responsibility among displaced populations.
Ghada Rifai’s story exemplifies the resilience of Syrian refugees as they navigate the challenges of displacement while advocating for their homeland. Her commitment to documenting local efforts and promoting peace through initiatives like Mobaderoon underline the importance of community support and academic engagement for refugees. Despite the ongoing conflict in Syria, Rifai’s perseverance reflects a broader determination among the Syrian diaspora to fight for a better future.
Original Source: www.dailytargum.com
