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WORLD REFUGEE DAY: SISTERS REVISIT THEIR JOURNEY TO SAFETY



Sisters Ghena and Haya are the featured storytellers from USA for UNHCR’s
Refugee Storyteller Celebration, an opportunity to honor and recognize the
creative voices of former refugees under the age of 30 who are now living in the
United States. USA for UNHCR’s Communications team spent time with the twins and
their family in April to learn firsthand about their journey to the U.S.





“I feel like just by looking at someone, you wouldn't know what they went
through or the situation they're in right now,” says Ghena Al Nuwab, a former
refugee now living in West Springfield, Massachusetts.

For Ghena, and her twin sister Haya, this insight finds its inspiration in part
by learning about their own family’s refugee experience. The sisters were born
as refugees in Jordan after their parents and older siblings fled threats of
kidnapping and persecution in Iraq. When the twins were just three years old,
the family was welcomed to the U.S. for resettlement and a chance to rebuild a
peaceful life.



“Our father sheltered us from the pain that he had to endure in order to protect
us,” explains Haya. “Now as we continue to discover our family’s past through
his stories, we realize how lucky we are to have more opportunities and more
freedom,” she continues.

We first met Ghena and Haya at their home in Massachusetts when we were welcomed
to break Iftar with the twins, their parents, two older siblings and grandmother
during Ramadan. After breaking fast with the traditional eating of a date and
enjoying a delicious meal, Ghena and Haya's parents brought family picture
albums to the table and stories and laughter ensued.

Serving platters and dishes were fast replaced by old photographs of the family
back in Iraq and Jordan. Featured prominently among the numerous family memories
were pictures of the twins in the arms of their father, Hussein.



“We’re really close with our dad,” the twins share. “When we look at our father,
we see a kind, caring man; the center of our safety.”

“Ghena and Haya were shocked at what we have been through, especially the fact
that we had to flee Iraq, leave the country, and leave everything behind, my
house, my job — everything,” Hussein recalls. “I always put my daughters first
and I always think about them before I think about myself.” 

Today, the sisters are safe — enjoying life as rising high school seniors,
active in numerous after-school activities including playing as doubles partners
on the West Springfield High School tennis team. They are excelling academically
and have found a diverse and supportive community at school; the main entrance
of West Springfield High School showcases more than 50 flags from around the
world, each representing the home country of current students. 



When an opportunity to share their family’s refugee story presented itself,
Ghena and Haya not only drew support from their family, they found support at
school.

Their English teacher,  Damien Johnson, was a great influence.

"I do have empathy for these kids who are coming from other countries and I
thought, somebody needs to give these kids a platform to tell their story,"
shares Johnson. “I'm really proud of the work that Ghena and Haya have done...I
have really high expectations for them moving forward." 



And no matter their successes or future opportunities, Ghena and Haya never
forget what their parents and older siblings endured. For the sisters, sharing
that story is important and they hope it builds more empathy and understanding
for what refugees overcome.



Reflecting on their parent's journey, both sisters are genuinely grateful. Haya
smiles and warmly shares, “They started from the bottom and they got to the
top.” 

“I really cherish that my dad and mom are still here and that they were so
brave,” says Ghena. “They provided us the safety so that we wouldn't have to
feel that loss of safety that was taken away from them.”

How can you help

USA for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency supports the full journey of refugees like
Ghena and Haya. Not only do our donors help refugees in their greatest time of
need, but their support builds awareness for resettled refugees living in the
U.S. With your help, more refugees will have the opportunity to build a peaceful
life and safely pursue their dreams. 

Jun 19 2022
TOPICS united states Refugees in America Resettlement Iraq
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