Rutgers—Newark Ph.D. Student Ghada Rifai Shares Her Journey as a Syrian Refugee
Ghada Rifai, a Ph.D. student at Rutgers—Newark, escaped the Syrian Civil War in 2012. Now, she advocates for her fellow Syrians through her scholarly work and her organization, Mobaderoon. Despite facing anti-refugee sentiments, she feels embraced by her academic community and remains resolute in her fight for a peaceful future for Syria.
Ghada Rifai, a Ph.D. student at Rutgers—Newark, fled Syria in 2012 due to life-threatening bombings. Now residing in Newark, she pursues a Ph.D. in Urban Studies and advocates for the voice of Syrians affected by the ongoing civil war. She emphasizes the importance of documenting local efforts in academia, stating, “I believe we at a local level are doing great work, and we need to document it in academia.”
The Syrian conflict under former President Bashar al-Assad led Rifai and many others to seek refuge abroad. As of January, the United Nations documents around 4.7 million registered Syrian refugees. Initially, Rifai and her family thought their displacement would be temporary, but that hope faded as years passed, causing family separations across different countries.
Rifai recounts that identifying as a refugee is not a straightforward realization and describes her experience with anti-refugee sentiments and immigration hurdles. She often feels the need to justify her status, stating, “I feel like I have to explain myself all the time.”
In 2009, she co-founded Mobaderoon, an organization devoted to civic education and peacebuilding. The initiative helps foster dialogue among communities affected by war and has gained recognition, including an award from the Luxembourg Peace Prize in 2024. Her organization now connects over 4,000 individuals committed to social responsibility and peace.
Rifai feels welcomed at Rutgers—Newark, appreciating the kind community that values diversity. She expresses belonging, saying, “I do not feel like I am different. I feel like I really belong, and everyone is an added value.” Despite the grim outlook for Syria, she asserts the diaspora’s resolve, remarking, “But we Syrians will never give up.”
Ghada Rifai’s story illustrates the plight of many Syrian refugees who have fled due to violence and instability. Since the civil war began in 2011, millions have sought asylum worldwide. The persistent conflict has created a significant Syrian diaspora that continues to advocate for their homeland. Rifai’s academic pursuit at Rutgers—Newark and her civic actions underscore the challenges faced by refugees, including discrimination and the struggle for acknowledgment. Her organization, Mobaderoon, reflects a commitment to peace and community-building in the context of these hardships.
In conclusion, Ghada Rifai’s journey from war-torn Syria to academic success in Newark embodies the resilience of the Syrian diaspora. Through her studies and advocacy work, she not only seeks to elevate the Syrian voice in academia but also contributes to peacebuilding efforts. Her experiences shed light on the challenges faced by refugees while also showcasing their determination to create positive change, demonstrating that the fight for peace and recognition continues despite adversity.
Original Source: www.dailytargum.com
