Ghada Rifai: A Refugee’s Journey from Syria to Ph.D. Aspirations at Rutgers-Newark

Ghada Rifai, a Rutgers-Newark Ph.D. student, fled Syria in 2012 due to the Civil War and is now advocating for her country while pursuing her studies. She co-founded Mobaderoon, a civic organization promoting peace, and emphasizes the need for documented efforts in academia. Despite experiencing issues related to being a refugee, she feels a strong sense of belonging in her academic community.

Ghada Rifai, a Ph.D. student at Rutgers-Newark, fled the deadly bombings of the Syrian Civil War in 2012, ultimately arriving in Newark in August 2024. Now, she is pursuing her doctorate in Urban Studies and amplifying the voices of those affected by the ongoing conflict in Syria. “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 benefiting from a full academic scholarship.

Rifai’s journey reflects the plight of millions, as she and countless others escaped the oppressive regime of former President Bashar al-Assad. By January 16, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees had recorded approximately 4.7 million registered Syrian refugees, predominantly seeking asylum in Turkey. Rifai’s family initially fled with hopes of a short-term departure, but circumstances led to their long-term separation, with relatives now residing in the Netherlands and Canada.

Rifai acknowledged the complexities of her refugee identity, noting, “It’s not a moment, like I (figured) out ‘I became a refugee.'” She has experienced significant challenges, including anti-refugee sentiment fueled by political rhetoric. “I feel like I have to explain myself all the time,” she added, reflecting the hurdles refugees face in assimilating into new societies.

In 2009, she co-founded Mobaderoon, a civic training organization aimed at fostering social responsibility and peace. As the war intensified, the opportunity arose to unite people for dialogue and peacebuilding. This initiative has garnered recognition, including the 2024 Outstanding Peace Organization Award from the Luxembourg Peace Prize, and has expanded to a network of over 4,000 individuals.

At Rutgers-Newark, Rifai expresses gratitude for the supportive academic environment where she feels valued. “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 remarked. While a peaceful resolution for Syria appears distant, she affirms that the Syrian diaspora remains committed to advocating for their homeland, stating, “In news, there’s nothing about Syria. But we Syrians will never give up.”

The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, has resulted in widespread violence, displacing millions of citizens, including a significant number who have sought refuge in other countries. The opposition against the regime of Bashar al-Assad has led to a complex humanitarian crisis, prompting organizations and individuals to engage in peacebuilding efforts. Ghada Rifai’s experiences as a refugee and her endeavors in academia highlight the resilience of Syrian individuals amidst the difficulties posed by their exile and the ongoing conflict.

Ghada Rifai’s story showcases the struggles and aspirations of Syrian refugees facing the long-term consequences of war. Through her academic pursuits and community engagement, Rifai embodies the spirit of resilience within the Syrian diaspora. Despite the challenges, she and many others strive to advocate for their homeland, ensuring that Syria’s plight is not forgotten.

Original Source: www.dailytargum.com