Le parcours inspirant de Razan Ibraheem

Le parcours inspirant de Razan Ibraheem

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Childhood Rebellion and Pursuit of Freedom
3. Journey to Ireland
4. A New Life in Ireland
5. Love for Ireland and its People
6. Pain for Syria and its Heritage
7. Feeling Helpless and Hopeless
8. Finding Inspiration in a Photograph
9. Volunteering in Kos, Greece
10. Connecting with Syrian Refugees

Childhood Rebellion and Pursuit of Freedom

Growing up in Latakia, my sunny Mediterranean city, rebellion against societal norms started early for me. At the tender age of seven, I found myself challenging the imposed images and expectations placed on girls and women. I wasn't afraid to speak up, to challenge the established system, and fight for personal freedom.

Journey to Ireland

As I grew older, the fight for freedom took on new forms and challenges. One of my biggest dreams was to continue my studies in an English-speaking country. However, with only one euro in my pocket, the idea seemed impossible. Determined not to let go of my dream, I worked tirelessly for 10 years, saving every penny until I had enough to pay for my university fees. Finally, I made it to Ireland, my beloved land of Yeats and Joyce.

A New Life in Ireland

Upon arriving in Ireland, I pursued a Master's degree in English language teaching at the University of Limerick. Graduating with a 1 in my research was a proud moment not just for me, but for my family as well. However, the escalating violence in my homeland of Syria forced me to make a difficult decision.

Love for Ireland and its People

Feeling torn between two homes, Ireland became my sanctuary. I fell in love with the Irish people, their sense of humor, and even the famously rainy weather. From bacon and cabbage to Guinness, Ireland felt like home to me. Despite the distance, I remained connected to my Syrian heritage and hoped for a better future for my homeland.

Pain for Syria and its Heritage

Syria, known as the cradle of human civilization, has a rich heritage that contributed greatly to the world. From the Phoenician sea to the oldest inhabited capitals, Syria is a treasure trove of history. Watching the destruction and loss of life in Syria was deeply painful. Seeing children and women suffer on television, with their eyes wide open, was a stark reminder of the urgency to act.

Feeling Helpless and Hopeless

For a long time, I felt trapped within myself, unsure of how or where to start making a difference. The world seemed to turn a blind eye to the plight of Syrians, and I too felt helpless. But a single photograph changed everything for me.

Finding Inspiration in a Photograph

A powerful image captured by Daniel Etter showed the suffering and despair in Syria. The man's face and his tears encapsulated the heartbreaking reality of the Syrian crisis. Moved by this image, I booked my ticket to Greece to support my fellow Syrians who were arriving on the shores of Kos.

Volunteering in Kos, Greece

My volunteering experience on the island of Kos was life-changing. Witnessing Syrians arrive on boats, desperate for a new life, touched my heart and soul. I connected with them, hugged them, and let them know that they were not alone. In the midst of their uncertainty, a smile and words of reassurance brought hope.

Connecting with Syrian Refugees

During my time volunteering, I encountered a remarkable Syrian man from Damascus, accompanied by his ten-year-old son. His simple request for a smile and reassurance deeply resonated with me. I realized that although I could have been one of the refugees, I am, in essence, one of them. With this newfound understanding, I continue to share a smile and support Syrian refugees wherever I go.

【Highlights】

• Childhood rebellion and pursuit of freedom in Latakia
• Journey to Ireland fueled by determination and hard work
• Love for Ireland, its people, and the Irish way of life
• Pain for Syria and its rich heritage amidst ongoing conflict
• Finding inspiration in a powerful photograph by Daniel Etter
• Volunteering in Kos, Greece, and connecting with Syrian refugees
• The importance of sharing a smile and providing reassurance to those in need

【FAQ】 Q: How did your childhood rebellion shape your journey towards freedom? A: My rebellious nature at a young age ignited my desire to challenge society's expectations and fight for personal freedom. It set the foundation for my pursuit of a better life.

Q: What difficulties did you face in saving money for your studies? A: Saving money for my studies was a long and grueling process. It took me 10 years to accumulate enough funds, but my determination and commitment never wavered.

Q: Why did you decide to volunteer in Kos, Greece? A: After seeing the suffering of my fellow Syrians, I felt compelled to take action. Volunteering in Kos allowed me to support and connect with refugees, offering them hope and reassurance.

Q: How did your volunteering experience change your perspective? A: Volunteering in Kos opened my eyes to the plight of Syrian refugees and helped me realize that I am not just an observer but an active participant in their journey. It deepened my empathy and strengthened my resolve to support them.

Q: What is the significance of a smile in the midst of uncertainty? A: A smile is a powerful gesture of compassion and reassurance. It reminds refugees that they are not alone and that there is hope for a brighter future.