Refugees in Jordan seek solace in starting new lives amid uncertainty

Mohammad Rostom, 23, in the small restaurant in Amman, Jordan, where some of his relatives work. They are all originally from Syria. (GSR/Chris Herlinger)
Mohammad Rostom, 23, in the small restaurant in Amman, Jordan, where some of his relatives work. They are all originally from Syria. (GSR/Chris Herlinger)

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Mohammad Rostom first heard the news about the recent Brussels suicide bombings at the small, cramped restaurant where a number of his brothers and cousins work in Amman, Jordan.

As one of his cousins carefully sliced a side of lamb broiling over a spit, Rostom took in the news about the March 22 incident and shook his head in frustration.

"It makes it more difficult for us Syrians," said the 23-year-old Syrian refugee. "People will say, 'It was done by Syrians. Syrian people were the reason for the bombing.' It isn't good."

The suspects in the bombing were not Syrian; they were born in Belgium and had family ties to Morocco. But to Rostom and to other Syrian refugees living in Jordan --  nearly 1 million in all -- even the slightest perception of a problem was another challenge as they try to fashion new lives outside their home country.

The hurdles are all inter-connected. There is the trauma that comes with the experience of war, then the day-to-day difficulties of work -- Syrians generally are part of the "underground" economy as underpaid workers. And always present is the continued uncertainty of place: Do they return to Syria (some want to, many do not), try to go to the West, or remain in Jordan?

Read the full story at Global Sisters Report

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