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cover of episode He left everything to flee war in Syria. What does the war's end mean for his future?

He left everything to flee war in Syria. What does the war's end mean for his future?

2024/12/29
logo of podcast Consider This from NPR

Consider This from NPR
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Ari Shapiro
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穆罕默德·阿尔-雷法伊
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Ari Shapiro: 本报道讲述了叙利亚难民穆罕默德·阿尔-雷法伊在美国俄亥俄州托莱多市的生活，以及叙利亚战争结束对其未来规划的影响。穆罕默德在2015年逃离叙利亚内战，独自一人来到美国，多年来一直与家人分离。叙利亚政权垮台后，穆罕默德的家人也搬到了托莱多与他团聚。报道探讨了穆罕默德一家在美国的生活，以及他们对未来是否返回叙利亚的考虑。 报道中穿插了穆罕默德获得绿卡、成为美国公民以及与家人团聚的经历，展现了他在美国逐渐安家落户的过程。同时，报道也关注了叙利亚战争对穆罕默德及其家人生活造成的深远影响，以及他们对未来生活和回国计划的思考。 穆罕默德·阿尔-雷法伊: 我在叙利亚战争期间逃离家乡，独自一人来到美国，多年来与家人分离，这期间经历了诸多困难，包括获得绿卡和美国公民身份的漫长过程。叙利亚政权垮台的消息让我和我的家人非常激动，我们终于可以团聚了。目前，我的家人已经搬到托莱多与我一起生活，我们对在美国的生活感到满意和安全。虽然我的部分亲属已经返回叙利亚，但我目前没有计划回国，因为美国的生活条件更好，更安全。我感激美国给予我的机会和帮助，并会永远珍惜这段经历。 虽然叙利亚战争已经结束，但它对我的生活和心理留下了不可磨灭的印记。我仍然牵挂着在叙利亚的亲朋好友，希望他们能够在和平的环境中重建家园。对于未来，我将继续努力工作，在美国创造更好的生活，同时也会关注叙利亚的局势发展，并根据情况考虑是否回国探望亲人。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why did Mohammed al-Refai move to Toledo, Ohio, and what challenges did he face?

Mohammed al-Refai moved to Toledo, Ohio, after fleeing the Syrian civil war in 2015. While he received a U.S. visa, his family did not and remained in Jordan. He settled in a group house, learned English, and worked at a halal butcher shop. Challenges included separation from his family and fears of not being allowed back into the U.S. after traveling abroad, especially during the Trump administration.

What significant milestone did Mohammed achieve in 2022?

In 2022, Mohammed al-Refai became a U.S. citizen, a milestone he had been working toward since arriving in the U.S. This allowed him to finally reunite with his family in Jordan after years of separation.

How did Mohammed and his family react to the fall of the Syrian regime?

When the Syrian regime fell, Mohammed and his family, who were together in Toledo, celebrated with tears and joy. They watched the news together, and Mohammed took the day off work to process the momentous event, which they had been waiting for over a decade.

Why did Mohammed's family decide to stay in Toledo instead of returning to Syria?

Mohammed's family chose to stay in Toledo because they found safety, stability, and opportunities in the U.S. They were uncertain about the future of Syria and how long it would take to rebuild. While they may visit Syria in the future, they prioritize their current life in Toledo.

What changes did Mohammed's aunt and uncle experience after the fall of the Syrian regime?

Mohammed's aunt and uncle, who remained in Syria, regained their freedom and were no longer afraid to speak openly. They returned to their home, which they had fled during the war, and began cleaning and reclaiming it.

How has Mohammed's family adapted to life in Toledo?

Mohammed's family has adapted well to life in Toledo. His father has a car and friends, while his mother attends school and has made new connections. They feel safe and content in their new home, appreciating the opportunities and stability the U.S. provides.

Chapters
The episode starts by describing the celebration of Syrian refugees in Toledo, Ohio, following the fall of Syria's dictatorship. It introduces Mohammed al-Refai, a Syrian refugee who had been living in Toledo for several years, separated from his family who remained in Jordan. The chapter details his journey to the US, the challenges he faced, and his eventual reunification with his family.
  • Celebration in Toledo, Ohio, among Syrian refugees upon the fall of Syria's dictatorship.
  • Mohammed al-Refai's journey as a Syrian refugee to the US.
  • Reunification of Mohammed with his family in Jordan after several years of separation.

Shownotes Transcript

When Syria's dictatorship fell in early December, celebrations broke out around the world - including nearly 6,000 miles away, in Toledo, Ohio. That's where Mohammed al-Refai, a refugee from Syria, lives now. NPR has followed his story for nearly a decade.In 2015, millions of Syrians fled the civil war in their country. al-Refai got a visa to come to the U.S. His parents and siblings, who fled to Jordan, did not. So, he moved on his own to Toledo, where built a new life for himself. He long dreamed of visiting his family and maybe, one day, returning to Syria.With the Syrian civil war now over, we talked to al-Refai about what comes next. For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org).Email us at [email protected]).Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)