Refugee Story

The first day I came to Italy, I had a friend, an Italian friend.

Our life was very good. We were very comfortable and happy.

I don’t want my children to live in war.

I graduated with a degree in journalism and joined the Afghan police force.

When I was old enough, I was forced to marry the head of our region.

We decided to leave and sold everything we had; there is no way back.

It gives me a bad feeling … that I am safe and my friends are still in trouble.

That’s why we came here—so they would not take him away from me.

We can’t go back. It is not safe for women there.

We left Iran because we are Afghans.

My father and brother made it to Sweden; my mother and I are trapped in Greece.

I hope I can find a good life and that I can continue in my profession.

ISIS began invading our village on the first day of the revolution.

The journey is very, very risky. Many people died — a lot.

God knows what I am, so He will help me.

I want to be able to say, “This is MY house! We can stay forever here and nobody will tell me to go.”

My family looks to me to support them.

My story is very sad.

I turn off the video … so they won’t feel sad.

Now I am alone, living in a tent here in Greece.