Consider This from NPR: He Left Everything to Flee War in Syria. What Does the War's End Mean for His Future?

Release Date: December 29, 2024

Introduction

In this poignant episode of NPR's Consider This, host Ari Shapiro delves into the personal narrative of Mohammed Al Rufai, a Syrian refugee who fled the ravages of civil war to seek sanctuary in the United States. As the Syrian regime under Bashar al-Assad crumbled in early December, Mohammed's story exemplifies the profound impact of geopolitical upheaval on individual lives. This episode explores the journey of displacement, the challenges of resettlement, and the hopeful future that emerges with the war's end.

Mohammed’s Journey to the United States

Ari Shapiro opens the narrative by recounting his first encounter with Mohammed nearly a decade prior in Toledo, Ohio. Back in 2015, amidst the Syrian civil war’s escalation, Mohammed, then a 22-year-old refugee, managed to secure a visa to the U.S., a rare achievement as his family remained stranded in Jordan.

Ari Shapiro [00:18]: "Mohammed Al Rufai was a 22-year-old refugee. In 2015, millions of Syrians fled the civil war in their country."

Mohammed settled in a group house near the University of Toledo, forming bonds with his American roommates who affectionately nicknamed him "Mo." During this period, he diligently learned English and found employment at a halal butcher shop.

Mohammed Al Rufai [00:49]: "Chicken legs, chicken breast, goat steak, lamb, beef, turkey."

Despite establishing a new life, Mohammed yearned to reunite with his family in Jordan, a hope that remained fraught with uncertainty, especially following the political shift when Donald Trump was elected president.

Challenges of Family Reunification

The episode highlights a critical juncture in Mohammed’s life when, in 2017, he became a U.S. green card holder—a milestone that promised family reunification. However, the path was neither straightforward nor swift. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic delayed his plans, pushing the American citizenship test to 2022.

Mohammed Al Rufai [01:31]: "I have the green card."

Mohammed's perseverance paid off when he finally became a U.S. citizen, opening the door to officially bring his family to the United States.

Reuniting with Family

The culmination of Mohammed's long-awaited family reunification is captured through an intimate conversation in the transcript. After obtaining citizenship, Mohammed was able to reunite with his parents and siblings, who had relocated to Toledo a year prior.

Mohammed Al Rufai [01:48]: "Yes, yes, yes. I'm so glad I am now an American citizen."

Ari Shapiro narrates the emotional reunion, emphasizing the significance of this moment for Mohammed and his family.

Mohammed Al Rufai [05:43]: "They were crying and they was like, because it's like big, big. Like I don't know how we say, but it's big. Good for us, you know?"

The episode underscores the emotional relief and joy that comes with family reunification after years of separation and uncertainty.

Adapting to Life in Toledo

With the entire family now residing together in Toledo, the episode delves into their adaptation process. Mohammed speaks fondly of their newfound stability and safety in the United States, contrasting it with the turmoil they left behind.

Mohammed Al Rufai [07:20]: "But I don't know how long to take to fix everything. I don't know when they will like fix it. But we're not going back now."

Mohammed’s parents have integrated into the local community—his father has made friends, and his mother has engaged in educational pursuits, enhancing their sense of belonging.

Mohammed Al Rufai [08:40]: "My dad and my mom, I buy a car for my dad and he has a lot of friends here. When my mom, she goes to school and she meets a lot of friends and she likes it."

Reflections on the Future and Syria’s Reconstruction

As the Syrian regime falls, Mohammed contemplates the possibility of returning home. However, he expresses uncertainty about the future stability and reconstruction of Syria.

Mohammed Al Rufai [07:15]: "No, we're not going back to home because I don't know what's going on next."

Instead, he envisions visiting Syria in the future but acknowledges that significant time is needed to rebuild and ensure safety.

Mohammed Al Rufai [09:20]: "And if we go back to Syria, like I don't know when, like we'll say 10 years, 20 years. But we will love America because she is saving us and she took care of us and she helped us and she also she gave us passport like visa. This why we will love America forever."

Family’s Connection to Syria

The episode also touches upon Mohammed’s extended family members who have returned to Syria. His aunt and uncle have been able to reclaim and renovate their former home, living openly without fear—a stark contrast to the previous oppressive regime.

Mohammed Al Rufai [08:00]: "They [aunt and uncle] like now they can't talk anything about Syria. Like because they freedom. They're not scared about anything."

This return signifies a cautiously optimistic outlook on Syria’s future, though uncertainties remain.

Emotional Closure and Hope

In the concluding moments of the conversation, Mohammed reflects on the journey from Syria to the United States, expressing deep gratitude towards America for providing refuge and opportunities.

Mohammed Al Rufai [09:20]: "This why we will love America forever."

Ari Shapiro reiterates the emotional significance of Mohammed’s story, celebrating the reunion and the hope it embodies for other refugees worldwide.

Ari Shapiro [10:06]: "Well, Mohammad Al Rafai, it is so good to talk to you again and I'm really happy to hear that your family is reunited at last."

Conclusion

This episode of Consider This masterfully intertwines personal storytelling with broader geopolitical developments, illustrating how the end of the Syrian civil war resonates on an intimate level for individuals like Mohammed Al Rufai. It sheds light on the resilience of refugees, the complexities of family reunification, and the enduring hope for a peaceful future both in their new homes and their homeland.

Notable Quotes:

• Mohammed Al Rufai [00:49]: "Chicken legs, chicken breast, goat steak, lamb, beef, turkey."
• Mohammed Al Rufai [01:31]: "I have the green card."
• Mohammed Al Rufai [05:43]: "They were crying and they was like, because it's like big, big. Like I don't know how we say, but it's big. Good for us, you know?"
• Mohammed Al Rufai [07:20]: "But we're not going back now."
• Mohammed Al Rufai [09:20]: "This why we will love America forever."

Produced by Matt Ozug and Michael Levitt, with audio engineering by Patrick Murray. Edited by John Ketchum and Sami Yenigun, executive producer.