We too deserve a chance

ِِAmidst the noise of political debates and complex bureaucratic processes, a group of resilient souls find themselves stuck in the crosshairs of circumstance. Refugees and asylum seekers whom I am talking about; individuals who have survived horrifying paths and left behind every single familiar thing that once meant home, in search of safety and sanctuary.

Here in the UK, and many other countries, the system often fails to see beyond the labels they carry. The government's policies cast a shadow over their lives, adding new layers of struggle to an already burdensome journey. Yet, within their hearts beats a tenacious spirit that refuses to be defined solely by the hardships they have carried.

I am inviting you to step into their world, to witness the power of resilience and the beauty of human connection. Through capturing moments of a weekend picnic, I unveil those remarkable individuals' smiles, which you don't normally see through media. These captured moments—smiles exchanged, laughter echoing, shared meals savoured—are an example of the sheer resilience that hides behind their stories.

They embrace the notion that their worth transcends their refugee status and that their dreams and aspirations are as valid as anyone else's. Despite every hand-cuffing policy being made, they are making extraordinary contributions within their new communities, defying the narratives that would otherwise reduce them to mere numbers or statistics.

It is an invitation to challenge preconceptions and stereotypes, to replace fear and misunderstanding with empathy and understanding. As we embark on this tour, I invite you to stand alongside these individuals and to witness their humanity.

^{_{Safi, spending quality time with his daughter, Mila.}}

^{_{Mila and Safi.}}

^{_{Right to left: Nuwar, Obai, Safi, Rima, Mila, Alma, Ayla and Zafer at Wollaton park in Nottingham, UK.}}

^{_{A group catch-up after a busy week}}

^{_{Zafer and Obai playing a popular Arabic/Turkish board game named 'Tawle'}}

^{_{Ayla, the photogenic.}}

^{_{Alma playing a card game with Ayla.}}

^{_{Karam (known as Kooki, or Cookies) living his best life with his best friend Mila.}}

^{_{Reem, the embodiment of resilience and strength}}

^{_{Obai distracting Kooki, Mr Everything's Manager.}}

^{_{Alma, the beautifully made soul}}

^{_{'Smile to the camera!'}}

Follow me to step into their world

Where names and faces replace anonymity

and laughter triumphs over adversity

This is Safi

A loving husband, a stepfather of two, and father of Mila.

"I admire him for his kindness, unwavering attentiveness, and his profound understanding of myself and my age"
-shares his stepdaughter.

An engineer who was forced to redirect his career when conflict erupted in his homeland, Safi found himself compelled to immerse himself in civil society as violence consumed everyday life. He dedicated himself to countless relief and charity efforts, ultimately shouldering the responsibility for an entire village that had been uprooted by the conflict. Sacrificing his family's house to provide shelter for the displaced, Safi selflessly donated his time, seizing every opportunity to aid others and continuously expand his knowledge in order to be of greater assistance.

Recognized for his exceptional contributions, Safi embarked in a project for psychological and family support, undertaking a pivotal role at one of the primary charities in his hometown. As he immersed himself in this work, he discovered a hidden part of himself, realizing his passion and aptitude for making a difference. Through a tireless journey of training, Safi evolved into a trainer of trainers, conducting over 40 workshops on active citizenship within his community—a concept that, at the time, was unfamiliar but desperately needed.

Starting as a volunteer with no prior experience, Safi's commitment made him a board member within the same organisation. However, this noble pursuit was not without its challenges. Safi faced threatening messages and even came face to face with shrapnel, surviving physically but not mentally, and the decision to leave his country became "the most arduous trial he had ever faced, marking the worst experience of his life" he says.

6 months ago, Safi moved to the UK to do his Master's Degree.

He viewed his arrival in the UK as a chapter filled with hope.
But things changed and he had to claim asylum.

The realization that he lacked the right to work full-time posed immense challenges for both him and his family. Numerous opportunities for full-time employment were lost due to this limitation. Nonetheless, Safi has persevered. Presently, he serves as a part-time tutor at NTU College, with both him and his wife working diligently, volunteering locally, paying taxes, and striving to adapt, survive, and integrate into their new community.

His journey is one marked by unwavering determination and an unwavering commitment to a better future.

Safi and his family face the looming threat posed by the new asylum laws.
'I envision a future filled with tremendous accomplishments and successes in the years ahead. However, I am apprehensive that the newly implemented asylum laws may shatter the stability that my daughters and I have longed for in this country, rendering it nothing more than a fleeting illusion. It threatens to plunge us into the labyrinth of another uncertain journey into the unknown'.
-Safi says

^{_{Alma is obsessed with books}}

This is Alma

Safi's stepdaughter

A 14-year-old asylum seeker

^{_{Her morning walk to school}}

^{_{Rima is the first one to go to when in need for books to borrow.}}

In her homeland, she worked as a teacher, and later started her own learning and entertainment centre for children.

As the war escalated, the centre had to transform into a nursery as well. The conflict restricted parents from leaving their area, and children needed a safe place to go, and Rima responded.

Despite the challenging circumstances, the center managed to endure for five years, fulfilling a crucial need within the community.

This is Rima

A devoted wife and a nurturing mother of three

Famous for her warm and inviting interior design taste

A writer

A certified voice-over artist

Known for a remarkable sense of sarcasm, an ever-helpful nature, and extraordinary courage.

"She is an exceptional source of support, consistently going above and beyond to assist me in discovering and pursuing my goals and passions." -says her daughter

And an asylum seeker

^{_{At The White-Rose shop, where she volunteers.}}

"Moving to the UK has profoundly transformed me and my life," she reflects. "Starting afresh in this new environment has been incredibly challenging and overwhelming. Having to rebuild my life once again, I find myself grappling with the exhausting reality that surpasses my ability to articulate."

Within two months of arriving in the UK, she secured a full-time job. Prior to that, she dedicated her time to volunteering at the White Rose Charity. Currently, she is also pursuing her aspirations of establishing her own business, determined to carve a path forward for herself and her family.

^{_{Zafer is winning, obviously}}

An engineer who made a remarkable career switch, becoming an activist and a hero within civil society.

Zafer was arrested for his participation in protests against the government in his home country. Born into a family with a history of political activism, his childhood was shaped by the arbitrary imprisonment of his grandfather. For approximately 15 years, his grandfather was confined in government prisons due to his political views.

Despite his strong desire to settle in Turkey, he faced insurmountable challenges due to prevailing policies that made it nearly impossible for anyone to do so.

Although he left his hometown 11 years ago, it remains an inseparable part of him. He carries its essence wherever he goes, referencing it in every circumstance he encounters

This is Zafer

A much-loved son and brother

An amazing husband and friend

A father to two adored cats

^{_{With his cat Salma}}

^{_{With his cat Salma}}

he spreads joy wherever he goes

Famous for his irresistibly delicious burgers

A certified trainer of trainers, actively promoting the development of others' skills.

Dedicates his time and efforts as an activist

Known for his sense of sarcasm, helpfulness, and courage

And a Refugee

^{_{Zafer, at his working station, surrounded by every little thing that reminds him of his home country}}

Having successfully completed two different master's degrees in the UK—one in peacebuilding and another in public policy—he has demonstrated his academic prowess.

His commitment to making a positive impact extends to his role at an international organisation.

Additionally, he generously volunteers at two different local organisations, furthering his dedication to community service.

His involvement as a trustee in a mental health organisation showcases his passion for promoting well-being and supporting those in need.

"Migration wipes away your identity," he explains, "these fresh starts are burdened with challenges, leaving individuals feeling orphaned amidst their own aspirations."

^{_{Reem and Kooki reading the Holly Quraán}}

Her entire life was transformed a year ago during her journey to the UK when her husband was arbitrarily prevented from boarding the plane in Turkey due to his profession as a journalist. Since then, she has not seen him. Boarding the plane, she held onto the hope that he would be able to join her in the UK within a few days, but he was never granted permission, and now a year has passed.

"Night after night, I wrestle, concealing tears in every conversation, attempting to overcome an unexpected shock, and striving to appear composed. "
-Reem

This is Reem

A journalist and a filmmaker

An independent mother to an adorable two-year-old boy

A cherished wife and daughter.

Known for her unwavering support, her compassion for others, resilience, authenticity, patience in difficult circumstances, and her inner strength.

An asylum seeker

^{_{The plan is for both, mother and son to become fluent in English}}

She had to start a new life from scratch, even before being able to fully process the trauma. She faced the challenges of caring for her child, who suddenly had to say goodbye to his father, seeking answers and information on her own in an unfamiliar place without any family or friends, all while grappling with limited English proficiency.

"The feeling of security is what we have lost the most over the past ten years."

Currently, she is a full-time mother, and a volunteer at a local charity, where she is actively involved in developing a media and publishing strategy. She works on enhancing their media platforms and branding, aiming to improve their outreach and public image.

^{_{Always the hostess}}

I have experienced the challenge of starting my life from scratch on three separate occasions, in three different countries, after being forcibly displaced from my home country.

And this is me, Hanan

A journalist, with over 10 years of experience

A singer

A physical and sexual abuse survivor

Known for my honesty, love, and helpfulness

The eldest of five adorable and accomplished sisters, who I was only able to meet them once in the past four years due to the stringent immigration system

And a refugee

^{_{At work where we provide a welcoming and a safe place, as well as free drinks and a warm meal for whoever is in need}}

Since my arrival in the UK country, I have not ceased to work, volunteer, pay taxes, engage socially, and make efforts to integrate into the English community.

I have taken on various roles in different sectors, entry-level positions and working late-night shifts to meet my financial obligations.

I currently, co-lead a program at a local organisation

I volunteer with the British Red Cross, extending my support to those in need.

We are not just distant figures on a screen, nor are nameless strangers passing through your midst. We are human beings who have faced unimaginable hardships, carrying with us hopes and dreams that transcend borders.

^{_{Mila, Safi, Rima, Ayla and Alma in Pelham street, Nottingham}}

^{_{Sahar, Obai, Najla, Zafer and Hanan after a late night out}}

^{_{Ayla, Safi and Mila after Safi's class}}

^{_{Obai, Hanan and Sahar in the Peak District}}

^{_{Hanan and Reem at Arnott Park, Nottingham}}

^{_{Hanan and Zafer}}

^{_{Me, Hanan, with my Father, Professor Dr Mohammad Al Habach}}

Carry our stories with you and weave them into the fabric of your collective memory.

Because we are not defined by our circumstances, but by our spirits and determination to rebuild our lives over and over again and contribute to the tapestry of shared humanity.

"ونحن نحبّ الحياة ما استطعنا إليها سبيلا"
محمود درويش-

"And we love life as much as we can find a way to it."
- Mahmoud Darwish

We too cling to life!

Refugees in Portraits of Resilience and Hope