Hurriyah Issue 2
the team Hurriyah is the zine produced by youth in Al Zaatari refugee camp, Jordan. This project is a partnership with Studio Syria, Qatar Foundation International and Three Chairs for Refugees and a part of the service-learning initiative Refugee Story Circle. Produced and edited by Elizabeth Norville, Jean Bradbury, Jennifer Geist, Priscila Bellini, and Wai Chum. Translated by Anas Ghanim, Nadeem Al-Abdallah, Abdullah Al-Jandali, and Lina Hayel.
Special thanks to
Introduction The Refugee Story Circle (RSC) is a student-intiated project supported by the Qatar Foundation International (QFI) and 3 Chairs for Refugees. Led by Priscila Bellini, a student journalist from São Paulo, Brazil, and Wai Chum, a public health and nursing student from Seattle, USA and joined by Abeedah diab, a high school junior in Doha, Qatar and Débora Komukai, a journalist in São Paulo, Brazil. Hurriyah is our collaborative response to learning about the hardships faced by young refugees, and their need for acknowledgement, solidarity and friendship. With the support of QFI, this project took us to the National Service-Learning Conference in Washington DC, in April 2015. We had the honor of leading an educational workshop to raise awareness about the Syrian crisis and to present artworks created by refugees at Al-Zaatari (thanks to Studio Syria). This attracted enthusiastic responses from the audience. Together with artworks from Al-Zaatari and audience responses was born this zine, Hurriyah. Hurriyah is a platform for dialogue between Syrian refugees at Al-Zaatari camp and youth from around the world. The idea is that refugee youth can make their voices heard through storytelling of their personal experience, while youth from around the world can respond with letters of encouragement. We, as ordinary citiznes, hope to bypass conventional media outlets to build a bridge of solidarity with our Syrian friends, and to connect with each other first-hand on a human level with respect and diginity.
the stories
the messages from the audience in NSLC
In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. May peace be upon you. To my refugee sisters and brothers, the cloaking nights must end, for sunrise is just over that hill. YOU will return, and so will I; carrying our suitcases by dusk to our schools, strolling under the towering greenery of our country. You aren’t alone, as seeking refuge isn’t eternal. This is only a short experience. Although it could shower you with sadness, the future is brighter. “Returning, Returning... under our country’s rainfalls we will unite.” Believe in Allah, for he is the Transcendent Patron, the Transcendent Helper. From a Syrian who experienced what you have been through, but he is hoping for a brighter tomorrow. Mohammed Ahmed
May Allah’s peace , mercy and blessing be upon you. The warmest greeting to the people of a great nation. May God bless you with health, protect you, relieve you misery, and return you safely back to your homes. My words fail to articulate my earnest feelings, but deep within me is sympathy towards my Syrian brothers and sisters. I have no idea what to say; nevertheless I know that with Allah’s help you WILL return to your homeland, and Syria will return to its greatness. Don’t feel heartbroken over the dearest friends you have lost, as they are martyrs. I end with Allah’ saying: “So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers.” Regards, your brother from Palestine
Hello! My name is Rose, I am an Iraqi living in America. I also miss my home Iraq and wish that you get back home and live in peace and joy. Goodbye!
We are with you, as we will never desert your rights. You will return to your homeland, so hold tight to hope and patience.
You are important and loved. Hold on to your dreams for the future! Laugh and hug somebody and remember that you are loved. Be strong. A friend from the United States Of America
You are the purest people, your misery will be resolved soon InshaAllah. Allah is The Most Merciful. Soukayna Shouman
We were really affected by your stories. So know that we are with you. Whenever you think your wishes won’t come true, believe that hope is getting closer. I promise you that I am coming to the camp to try to help you to make a difference in each other’s life. You inspired us with your strength and aspirations. You will lead change in the community.
We love you! - Emily
We are waiting for you!
Want to help? If you would like to support the continuation of this zine, Hurriyah, please consider donating to Studio Syria at http://www.studiosyria.org/. This zine cannot be made without Studio Syria’s extraordinary work. Please also consider supporting any humanitarian relief organizations or projects that you might find in your local area. Every act of generosity and kindness makes a lasting impact.
Suggested organizations: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) www,unhcr.org/syria/
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) http://www.unicef.org/emergencies/syria
World Food Program | Syria http://www.wfp.org/emergencies/syria
Save the Children/Syria
http://www.savethechildren.org/syria
Médecins Sans Frontières | Syria http://www.msf.org/syria
Syrian Arab Red Crescent http://sarc.sy/