This account was posted on Russell Chapman's blog https://russellchapman.wordpress.com/2015/08/14/escape-to-freedom-bringing-a-syrian-family-to-safety/ at The events in this article took place in the first two weeks of August 2015 This is the story of a Syrian family’s journey to freedom in Europe and the small part I played in helping them. Along the way I saw and learnt a lot about what refugees face as they escape from war-torn countries and political oppression. Fadl and his family were introduced to me through Muhannad, a mutual friend. He asked me if I would be prepared to help Fadl and his family get from Greece to a particular European country. After some consideration, I decided to try and help them. The family is from the Aleppo region of Syria and before the war they had their own restaurant, they were a middle class family. His wife Majelina, who had to stay behind to look after ageing grandparents, was a university professor of English literature. Then, because of t
Reflections about and critique amongst life, and beyond, in the 21st century.