After the Syrian civil war started in 2011, Doaa Al Zamel and her family fled to Egypt to find safety. They stayed there for three years, but life as refugees became harder. In 2014, Doaa and her fiancé decided to try a dangerous journey to Europe. However, their trip turned into a nightmare when traffickers deliberately rammed their overcrowded boat, causing it to sink. Tragically, 500 people died, including her fiancé.
Doaa survived because of her strong will. She spent four days alone in the Mediterranean Sea, holding two small children who had been given to her by families who drowned. One of the children, a nine-month-old named Malak, died just hours before they were rescued by a merchant ship. Now living in Sweden, Doaa looks back on the terrible experience and her determination to help Syria have a better future.
Doaa remembers the journey clearly. “We tried to leave Egypt three times. Twice, we were put in prison for ten days. On our third attempt, we left Alexandria. The boat was in terrible condition. Then another boat came, and the people on it looked like pirates. They sank our boat and ran away, laughing. I still hear their laughter. How could they kill 500 people, including children and families? I couldn’t swim, but I had a small flotation device. I carried two little girls for four days without food or water. The cold, the darkness, and the sight of dead bodies around me were terrifying. The only thing that gave me hope was the stars.”
Doaa understands why many refugees take such dangerous risks. “People have no other choice. I wanted my family to be safe, and I wanted my younger siblings to have a chance for a better life. Life in Egypt was hard, and there weren’t many opportunities.” Since arriving in Europe, Doaa has worked hard to rebuild her life. She learned Swedish, is studying English, and worked as a teacher’s assistant for six years. Her younger brother is now preparing to go to university, showing how her efforts have paid off.
When Bashar al-Assad’s government fell, Doaa felt a mix of emotions. “I cried when I heard the news. It felt like a dream. After more than ten years of war, Syria needs peace, security, and hope. Syrians deserve to live freely and achieve their dreams.” Doaa’s vision for Syria’s future is full of hope. Whether she stays in Sweden or goes back to Syria, she wants to help rebuild her country. She believes Syrians can work together to rebuild their communities, create jobs, and build a better future for everyone.