30 Refugee Stories, Overview
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the massive scale of the refugee crisis. Sixty five million people are displaced in the world today. If displaced people formed a country, it would be the 21st largest in the world.But behind this mammoth number, there are people. Human beings. Mothers and fathers, sons and daughters. Each with a story, a sadness, a fear, a hope, a dream.Instead of focusing on the statistic or the label 'refugee', let's get to know people. Not necessarily the reason why they fled or their journeys across mountains and seas - these again are things that separate them from us. But rather let's find out who they are, what they love to do, what they stay awake at night praying for, what gives their life meaning.
We are not all ‘refugees’ but I do think we are all people seeking refuge.
During Ramadan, a month that is so much about helping neighbors near and far, lets learn the stories of these resilient and brave people, and those who are working to support them. And lets commit to doing what we can, whatever we can, to provide some comfort, some refuge.For the next 30 days, I’ll share stories of some of the people I’ve had the privilege of getting to know – people in camps in Athens and Lesbos, and others who are starting new lives in our own community. Please join me in sharing these stories, and in letting our new friends know that they're not alone, that we're here for them.I am deeply grateful to the two photographers on this project: my daughter Saanya, a budding filmmaker and photographer, who took beautiful images, especially of children, in Athens and Lesvos; and George Kolotov, a renowned photographer from Kyrgyzstan whose professionalism and love for his craft shine in every frame. It is their photos that truly give life to these stories.30 days. 30 refugee stories. InshAllah.
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Photo: Saanya Ali