As a Syrian mother seeking refuge on the island of Rhodes, Greece, my journey has been fraught with challenges and uncertainty. Fleeing the turmoil of my homeland, I finally made it to Greece with my two children, hoping for safety and a chance at a new beginning. But instead I found myself in an unimaginable situation – living outside in a makeshift camp with no shelter, food or access to basic necessities like a toilet or shower. I felt invisible and forgotten.
Every night was a struggle to keep my children warm. My youngest, barely two, often cried from hunger and my eldest, a quiet eight-year-old, tried to comfort me though his own eyes betrayed his exhaustion. As a mother, nothing is more painful than seeing your children suffer and feeling powerless to help them.
We are not here alone, people are all around us from Syria, Palestine, Yemen and Sudan, also stranded here just waiting for an opportunity to register for asylum. Each person carries their own story of loss, of fleeing war, persecution and other unimaginable hardships. Now we’re here in Europe yet our survival remains uncertain.
In this difficult time, Ruhi and Elena from Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB) appeared. Their dedication to providing us with emergency aid made a significant difference in that moment. RBB’s efforts in Rhodes were particularly impactful when people finally started to be processed and we were able to move forward.
The assistance went beyond the provision of essentials. RBB’s commitment to community-building and advocacy fostered a sense of belonging among us. Their diverse team, comprising individuals from various backgrounds including with lived experience as refugees meant they understand our struggles on a personal level, making their support all the more meaningful.
One of the best impacts of RBB’s work is their focus on dignity and respect. They don’t just see us as beneficiaries but as individuals with dreams, aspirations and potential. This gave me the courage to envision a brighter future for my children again.
The challenges we face are still immense, but knowing that organisations like Refugee Biriyani & Bananas stand with us provides comfort. Their support reminds me that there is hope and kindness. My journey is far from over, but with the continued support of compassionate organisations and individuals, I hold onto the hope that one day, my children and I will rebuild our lives and contribute positively to the new community that we’ll belong to.
