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9

NameAbdel and his family
Gendermale
Country of OriginSyrian Arab Republic
Destination CountryGreece
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It was a very difficult journey. We left Aleppo because of the war. War is a bad thing, there was death, fear, misery. I was conscripted to fight for the regime, so we took the decision to flee. I didnt not want to have blood in my hands, to take another mans life. They cannot make me do that. When living in Syria, before the war, I had a good job. I was a skilled worker, making plasterboards, fitting wirings, usually for businesses, hotels or private homes. Amina, my wife, took up the upbringing of our children. It was the journey of death, this is what we call it. Either way, staying in Syria would mean that wed die. So, we took the risk, either wed survive or wed be gone. I undertook a tremendous risk, not only for myself, but also for my wife and my children. But, if wed managed to make it, wed have won a life far from the war.  To us, it will always be the journey of death. We crossed from Turkey to the island of Lesbos by boat, just like everyone else. Another difficult journey awaited, this time from camp to camp. From Lesbos, we went to Kavala, then to Herso, from there to Katerini and then to Thessaloniki until finally we settled in Athens. Weve been through rough times but weve also had nice experiences. Weve seen beautiful places but the worst part was the bad weather, when it as rainy or cold, or when it was very hot. Nevertheless, amidst all these hardships, we were always surrounded by really nice people who helped us and who well never forget. In the meantime, Amina got pregnant. Since she gave birth to our baby daughter Isra, things are easier, shes 6 months old now. I cannot describe what relocating to France feels like. We are so happy, well start again, we ll find stability. Our life will be just like before the war, or even better. Im certain that a new life awaits, the children will go to school, which is the most important thing for them. I dont know where well settle yet, but I dream of living in Nice, what a beautiful city! I wish that well love France and that France will love us back. Weve already started learning French, not only with the help of IOM and the French Embassy but also at home, on our own, thanks to online courses. In France, well try to leave behind us all that weve been through, we already try to help the children forget. We dont want them to talk about it all, or ever go through such an experience again. We two, well never forget, how can one forget such a thing. Our life was unbearable. But the children are still very young, at 9 and 6, so maybe in the end they wont remember a thing.

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