Each year, Watkinson Global Studies students are given the opportunity to Skype with a Syrian refugee. This year, we Skyped with an Arabic teacher, Kinda, who now resides in Jordan. Compared to our Skype last year (2019) with Tarek Zakanda, Kinda seemed much more positive and content with her situation. In my reflection from 2019, I mentioned that Tarek had an extremely difficult process acquiring a Visa. Once he arrived in Lebanon, he was greeted with mostly contempt and discrimination, as the citizens blamed Syrian refugees for the chaos occurring in the Middle East. He could not pursue his stories or find a job. In contrast, Kinda teaches Arabic and said she has been welcomed by Jordanians. One of the reasons for this is that many citizens of Jordan are Palestinian, and have experienced life as a refugee as well. Kinda seems to have received more sympathy and aid in her situation, most likely due to the location she ended up in.
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We heard from the founder and chairman, Faisal Saleh, before viewing the museum. Faisal emphasized the importance of maintaining culture at a time when Palestinians cannot return to their true homeland. In order to feel closer to home, they practice old traditions like embroidery and connect with other Palestinians to reminisce. The museum not only informs Americans of Palestinian culture and allows Palestinians to celebrate their own artistic excellence and heritage, but also proves to the world that Palestinians are here and will not go away. Faisal also mentioned that the museum allows second and third generation Palestinians to strengthen their identity and learn about their parents’ and grandparents’ lifestyle.
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One event that was particularly interesting to me was the Meet Thy Neighbor Refugee Panel at UCONN Law School I attended in late October. The panel featured four refugees from the Middle East and a translator relaying their stories to the audience. They seemed nervous at first, especially an older woman who spoke little English. However, in what little of their stories they shared, the hardship and trauma was easy to uncover. One obstacle that seemed to repeat through all their stories was the language barrier, and the troubles it posed once in America. Just listening to the middle-aged woman attempting to speak to the audience in English and then reverting to her first language showed me how frustrating it must be to succeed in a foreign country, whether it be applying for a job, renting a house or apartment, even something as simple as asking for help at the grocery store. The personal recounts and detailed experiences provided a much clearer view of the disadvantages that refugees face.
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