Meet the Syrians: The Story of a Refugee Family in the US | Witness
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- Опубликовано: 6 фев 2025
- It is 2017. The Kalaji family - originally from the besieged Syrian city of Aleppo - seek a new life in the United States with dreams of owning a house and car.
They leave their temporary home in Jordan, saying goodbye to beloved family, and move to Philadelphia, where they must adjust to life in a new land.
Upon their arrival, the Kalajis seem lucky: They are among the last refugees to make it into the US before Donald Trump's travel ban is implemented.
But their private victory over public policy is bittersweet, as they think of their family and the eldest daughter, Ju-Ju, who is pregnant and has remained behind.
When they realise they have only three months of financial aid from a refugee resettlement organisation, after which they need to be financially self-sufficient, another harsh reality sets in: They could be displaced and dispossessed all over again.
Meet the Syrians chronicles the Kalaji family's first 18 months as they discover both the joys and difficulties of refugee life in the US.
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I love the mom. She's very outgoing, sociable and opinionated. She fits well in the U.S. The dad is amazing too. He's working hard to support his family despite not knowing english.
I think this mother is much stronger than she is aware, I really like her. Wishing this family all the best 💕
What an adorable family. I'm impressed by their strength and respect the father's dedication to providing for his family. It's amazing to see this side of a refugee story. If they ever read this, I wish them the best.
Vietnamese-American here! My family fled to the US after the fall of Saigon in 1975. Seeing the suffering of Syrian and Iraqi refugees, I really hope the best comes for them. We also went through the same hardships as them. I hope they will be able to experience the same things we have right now, enjoying our freedoms, enjoying our rights, and enjoying our lives as American citizens.
@Stick up Crew “they only have themselves to blame”
Actually, that is incorrect. The suffering was caused by the US invading and destabilizing Iraq, which eventually led to Syria being destabilized as well. It’s a long story but had the US never been involved in Iraq none of the refugees would have to go through so much suffering. I love my country but at the same time I admit my country has done major and grave mistakes as well.
@Stick up Crew your joking
@@cocoproductions3645 actually not at all. Their Universities teach them that the United States is the Saviour of the World and that any War it starts is a just war to help the needy and oppressed. They don't care about the mountain of bodies left in the wake to pursue their saviour-complex.
Also they have an unlimited number of genders.😆
@@CatOfTiktok7 proof? Have you studied at a American university? This isnt true. You probably haven't lived in America.
@@apdifpapdjaapickgspjakf5937 technically, I don't need to be in America to know what their Universities teach. Don't they teach about Western Democracy and how every single soul on the planet should follow it and that everything else is either oppressive or backwards according to their own standards? Heck, an average American citizen can't place a country when shown a map. They refer to the entire Eastern hemisphere as 'Asians' when it's comprised of like 50 countries and call Africa a country.😂
This mother has that vibe,the freedom and peace shows on her face wooow!!
40:45 Seeing them talk to Americans at the store in English made me so proud 🥺 They've come so far, I'm so happy to see them trying to integrate more and more. Both of my parents are Arab immigrants so I know how hard adapting can be. God bless them, I hope they can overcome the difficulties and enjoy a life of peace and safety here :) 💕
True. I remember when I moved to America with my family, it was an adventure for sure.
I am convinced that this family will reach happiness and self confidance. The eldest daughter living with them there, was very strong to not agree to a marriage with an overseas young man but wanting to finish a higher education instead. That decision will make her independant. Well done girl. Loved the mum and all others too. Love from Australia.
I totally agree!
Francisca Bonsel What do you mean by make her independent?
@Impersonal Immigrant Independent to me means: I can do whatever I want and no body tell me what to do ;--) 😍😎
Impersonal Immigrant.....take it easy! Don't work to much!
No body is independent, we all depend on GOD! but having a
degree is wise, very smart decision making, great for the family.
Enjoy it, life is short! 😍😂
@@alnajjar2726 Want to have a UFO encounter Xo ;--) 😘😜
@@livetodaydietomorrowltdt2405 Which god? people believe in many thousands of them. Just because you are a monotheist, other people's belief systems are just as strong and doesn't make you right.
I'm speechless. This family story makes me a better person. Thank you Al Jazeera. And God bless America.
I have the biggest respect for the father. A man with kids and wife has to know his responsibility. Wallah that man is hardworking.
Hello everyone, I'm Yousef, the middle kid in the film. I just wanted to give an update about how we are doing for those who are asking. Me and my family are doing great alhamdallah.
My parents worked and we got the citizenship and visited my older sister in jordan!
Seriously? Hi there 🙂 I'm from Romania and I wish you and your family all the best. I hope you are happy in America.
Also, I saw a few people here in the comments asking how they can contact your family, to offer some help.
Take care and good luck!
@@dyawr Hi me and my family are good as others we don't need help But Thank you!! I really appreciate!
@@SimplyKoalaYT I respect that, I am really proud of you all 🤗 God bless you ❤
@@dyawr Thank you! 3
@@SimplyKoalaYTUpdates? Hope family is well!!
My heart jumped with joy after they had settled in and the wife got a car and kids were going to a party and they could speak some english. And so happy the daughter is no longer getting married and looking to pursue a career after college and empower herself.
I liked how the American guy said "Don't let him drive you out". He seems nice.
Haha! Yes, I agreee! Made me jump with joy.
@@sun2687 aaaaaaaaa
@@sun2687 aaaaa
@@sun2687 saascccaa!aa
Good man he was
Seeing them building a new life in a much different environment, I felt as if I were watching my own ancestors who came to California from Ireland in 1856.
To one degree or another, all Americans are immigrants, in many cases refugees. God bless this family and all like them.
Irish immigrants sailed to Ellis Island that was closed in 1956.
@colleenpeck6347
Hi, Colleen.
Immigrants from Ireland arrived at ports all over the US, Canada, and other countries before making their way to the US.
My family is well-documented as arriving by ship in San Francisco.
I hope they are all doing well now. I am glad to have them in the US since they seem like good people. I am most proud of the parents. To make such a change when you are already very much an adult must be very difficult. Good job to everyone in the family!
Yes most Muslim immigrants from Middle East or the levant countries very nice people. Very educated and just want to do good and live in peace.
That was my first impression. They are willing to work and learn English to assimilate. They seem good people.
Good luck to this family and God bless you.
send them back to Syria
Wait till they demand sharia law
I can not describe how happy I am for them, the poor husband must go through a lot, hope he will be always strong mentally and physically
Beautiful inspiring story. Way to go for daughter in her dream. The parents are really doing their best for their beautiful family.
I love how she didn’t know her t shirt had “the future is female” written on the front.....and how delighted she was when it was translated
Serious question: WHAT exactly does "the future is female" mean, especially for the men? Thank you.
@@mjcamck it's one of those ideological concepts made popular by crazy feminists that want to destroy the world. Who would build the homes, fix plumbing, who would get cars running?! Who would build anything without men? Hierarchy and the system of things has taken more than a millennia to get balanced. Can you imagine, no one stops to think about this reality? Life without men would not only be more boring, because they bring their own energy to life, but it would cease to be! We need each other, and that is more than okay...it's how God made our being.
@@DeathByDrone-ORmk84 - I agree. Men built this whole nation. Nature determined females would bear children so it was, for centuries, up to the males to handle the rest of the life sustaining work. What do these new "feminists" want? Should all males throw themselves in the ocean? Would that make these "feminists" happy?
@@DeathByDrone-ORmk84 - Well said. Agreed.
@@mjcamck yes i'd be happy if all men threw themselves in the ocean and stop viewing women as less worthy.
When I read the title, I was ready to face a racist comment section. But thanks you guys. There are definitely more good people than bad people.
omg exactly
Could be that u both have racist thoughts about white people. I'm sorry that's what you expected from us.
No there are more stupid people than clever people you wanted to say
@Dingle Berry what are you talking about are you saying I'm racist Is it because I'm white?
@@dognoodle87 No. He's saying that many refugees, regardless where they're from, and the topic of accepting refugees.. is met with negativity by many here in our country especially in comment sections. Calm down whitey. ;)
After seeing the amount of happiness in that girl's eyes, it literally bought tears to my eyes, I can't even imagine what she went through. Lots of love from India
God bless America,for their kindness to this family and others who came to get a second chance in life!!!
That a strong amazing father he is not giving up.
Fascinating, as an American from Philadelphia this story was great, they are more than welcomed. I wish them nothing but the best, it must be so challenging to assimilate
❤❤❤❤
Much love and respect to refugees. May you feel at home and be welcomed here 🇺🇸❤️
Syria Ball Oh that’s so cool. Hopefully you both can visit each other.
Being in America is hard but it is rewarding if you understand that everyone must pull their weight to succeed. Those who don't are lost in the system...wind up living in poverty. There are so many hugely successful people who got rich with determination and hard work.
@@jaydeecee1643 living in america is probably one of the easiest places to live in the world lol
@@anna-if8fi not as much as canada, UK and europe
@@blackflag6976 europe? some of the countries in europe have a lower average pay than places in africa europe is a continent not a country and trust me americans are more privileged it's not even up for question
Looking towards part two would be nice. The mom so naturally strong and inspiring
They are doing good
I felt their excitement, fear, loneliness leaving a dsughter behind. Their happiness and their dreams for a better future. Everything you could imagine as a first timer in another country, much different from where you came from. The mixed emotions but God is great to let them live their dreams. I'm very happy for them and more blessings to come.
I’m upset their daughter stayed with a man who doesn’t allow her to be filmed and tells her to stay in Jordan 🤦🏻♂️ she should of left and had a better life.
He seems to have WAHABI TENDENCIES. Since the wahabi, just the ultraorthodox jews, don't allow their women to be filmed or have freedom.
Truth Seeker she’s missing out on everything since It sounds like she’ll be kept inside like a pet and expected to keep the house clean and raise all the kids whilst her husband is running around all over town doing all that he pleases with his friends and god knows what else. He’ll keep that leash on her tight 🤦🏻♂️. Basic freedom is more important than marriage and traditions that are unfair to women.
@@musicguy20 Unfortunately that's how men treat women in the Middle East. Not all men, but most of them.
Same
@@tichtran664 agree!!! Wahhabism is what changed somalia today as well!!!
I’ve watched this twice, and I’m still amazed at this families resilience!!!
I'm so overwhelmed by sympathy for them ! Can we please have news about this lovely family ? A few years have passed since this reportage, how are they ?
Lot of love from France
Wherever this family is I hope they are safe & happy🙏🏾 including the daughter that stayed in 🇯🇴 with her new family.❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you❤️
this brings memories when i was in the same situation almost 24 years ago
I love how the mum is so empowered and she’s so proud that she’s wearing a T-shirt that says “The future is female” Love it 🥰
You forgot how she told her daughter to cover up her chest...
@Mika Media Web Design how can I get touch with u? I'm starting my own business & I need an web designer
Feminism is destroying America. Good.
@@virajmhapsekar2977 modest Queen 🧕👑
@@virajmhapsekar2977 so what ?
My heart goes out to the woman who had to leave her daughter back in their home country. She obviously grieved over the fact that they won't be able to see each other for quite some time. This family is hardworking and I'm glad they were able to be stable in affording rent and they were even able to save up for a car! Moving to the US is not an easy thing, especially if you are an immigrant or refugee but anything is possible when you have strong work ethic and will to care for your family.
It’s crazy how grateful they are to live in even a poor neighborhood. It really makes me rethink how much I take for granted.
Me too
How about a follow-up on this family. Thank you
yeah same
Yeah they should
@@jamiesam3317 Yeah no one's care 😂
@UCIC9Emr4Y6L90Jycr6vQckg It's a spam that advertises a resource that promises to let you hack anyone. But of course it hacks you instead and uses your account to continue to spam. (And not only spam but also scam etc).
The best action is to report the account if possible and delete the message.
Surely it’s a Must
The Dad is resilient. Stay strong
ان شاءالله ياربي افرج على اخوانا السوريين و يرجعو معززين مكرمين الى بلدهم، انا نورالدين من 🇩🇿 الجزائر
What a beautiful family, love the resilience and the togetherness they hold. May God continue to bless them 🙏🏽♥️
24:21 - She is such a loving mum. He had me screaming when he said he is an idiot because his son in law doesn't want boys, LOL! So funny.
Yes definitely That was funny...
So funny….
Aren’t they just a gorgeous family..Happy to embrace a new culture. I think they will settle very well. Love the mum especially..a positive attitude and a good sense of humour...Wishing them every happiness. Kisses from 🇮🇪🇮🇪.
I wish they would have a follow-up story. I would like to see how their life’s have progressed. I enjoyed this video very much!
I totally agree!
They live in a suburb outside of Philadelphia in a townhouse now.
watch "The Hungry Syrian Wanderer"vlogs,he is also a Syrian who came to the Phillipines 9 years ago at the age of 18. watch how he become a well loved vlogger in our country.
@Canberk they can have a many kids as they want stfu
@Canberk Idk
What a lovely family, just trying to survive.
May God protect them.
I love how well this family has adapted here in America!
I hope they are doing well. I can't imagine the anxiety they must have felt coming here. Happy for them! ☺️
I respect that man. I pray he's found good work and is thriving.
Beautiful family. The father is strong but kind 💙
Wow.. they have so little yet they are the richest of all.. they look happier, where we see nothing they see hope and light .. I do hope god blesses them with many of their dreams becoming reality. ❤️❤️❤️
Omg I love the mom she’s such a vibe!
Wonderful Film. Thank you so much! What a lovely family. I wish them all the best for their future!
It’s a shame that Saudi Arabia, birthplace of Islam, refused to take in Syrian refugees, but instead told them to hijrah to Western Christian countries.
It's a Shame that western Christian countries attacked this land and made these innocent peoples refuges...
@@sirat_ul_jannah57 👌👋👋
@@sirat_ul_jannah57America attacked ISIS, not Syria. ISIS was committing unspeakable atrocities against Yazidi women and children.
What a lovely family they take everything in their stride and are doing really well good luck from the UK. I'd love to know how their getting now.
We in America have so much, even if we have so little. God Bless this family & this husband for providing for his family...
The enduring human spirit. We all aspire for the same things in life, experience the same pain and joys and it’s disheartening when you still see pockets of people who can blindly hate and discriminate. I hope this wonderful family did not lose their enchantment with this country. I’m sure there were both joys and disappointments but always remember its the ideas of this country that make it great even though sometimes we fail to hold up these principles.
It was very nice to see the story about this family that’s reminds me the time when I was a refugees in this country which I loved it with all my heart.After many years we are back in our borne country and it’s okay but I can’t stop thinking about America every single day.And I thank God He was good to us over there and also here too.
Hope all your wishes become fulfilled in whichever path you are yet to take in life. Look into the Japanese philosophical concept of kaizen, resist complacency by restocking your inventory of dreams and wishes as fast as or faster than you achieve them. Become a global citizen and dont sell your self short by confining your identity nor loyalty to any one country. More addition less division. Subtracting the delusion of self from true self keeping one in agnosis.
Absolutely heartwarming, I hope all the best for this family and hope they are thriving now in the U.S. I really enjoyed this. I would love to see a follow up on how the family is doing now. Something tells me though that everything is just fine, and the family is doing amazing
I am only just part way in watching this. They are a great example of a family & a family willing to put their whole trust in another country & do whatever it takes for the best of their family they are so willing, open & honest. Really hope USA does not let them down. Sending All The Best To This Family. Like it say in some of these comments an update on the family status would be very much appreciated. Luv From 🇬🇧 ❤️
I’m surprised the agency sponsoring them didn’t tell them to learn English before coming to America. I’m glad to see the mom driving and learning some English.
What agent I
People generally do know the importance of learning english but the problem is most can't afford the tuition fees. Nothing is free where they came from and for a refugee, having food and a roof over your head alone is a huge challenge.
Even if they didn’t how will they learn there. No chance.
I am more surprised as the children also didn't learn English in school...like I thought we all learned a few different languages.
@@veryconfused9768 not a lot of people in Syrian speak English and the schools that do are hella expensive
May Allah bless this serian family and may Allah bless American people. May Allah bless all the good people in the world.
What an incredible story. I hope this family is doing well.
I feel sorry for the man(father)...he is optimistic even in despair.
They not in despair though
real hard working people that every country needs
May Allah protect and shower this Syrian family more of His Blessings 🤲🏽❤️
Beautiful documentary
It was nice of the Church members to help them out.
This is the perfect time for a follow-up since ban is lifted
The father seems to be a hard worker and level headed..I hope that he was able to find a job and support his family..
He did find a job at a factory
I wish all of the family the best of luck as they work so hard to build a life in the USA. I can’t imagine how heartbreaking it must have been to leave Syria, and then their daughter in Jordan. Love from the U.K. !
❤️
Oh I love this family, the mother is Amazing!!! Made me so happy to see them so happy!!!!
please update their news, thanks! we love to know more about them!
Syrians are a wonderful people. Thank God this family made it safe and sound and thriving.
American people are very friendly and generous with good heart in helping people in their hour of need
Honestly, not really.
@@alnajjar2726
But many are
I meannn - we _could_ do a lot better. Especially since a lot of the problems in the world that create refugees (though not in this particular case), are indirect results of our foreign policy lol.
My family originally landed in Philadelphia when they immigrated here a few hundred years ago from Germany. Most Americans are recent immigrants. A very inspiring story, I hope to see part 2.
And thanks for everyone who ask about us and our life
I am so moved by this.
Refugees are so brave. God bless this family and reunite them with their daughter and grand baby
This "I don't know what my studies should be good for [if I get married anyway]" from the second-oldest girl reminds me of what the first generation of daughters of Turkish migrant workers born (or raised from an early age) in Germany in the 1960s and 1970s tended to say about their future. I'm glad she decided otherwise and hope they're all living well.
Thx for the support ❤️
I am so so happy for this family! I cried multiple times just seeing the joy on their faces
In general watching this video makes me proud to be a American and how people look at our country and say this is freedom.. I’m tired of people canceling today let’s share and shade light to people who struggled far worst then us staying in our coaches
Thank you for publishing this!
I love how the resettlement guy gives tough love like that, it looks very difficult to start over here, but it's well worth it to push through the hardship. It almost breaks your heart to see the old guy struggling to find work. You can see how hard they're trying to assimilate towards the end, we are blessed to have them here.
Moved, watching this,the hardship of the family and countless many others effected by the war n distruction. Admire the mother's grit , positive outlook and determination. The father is gentleman in his way, salute on his persistance to find a job n his statement " No job is beneath me..i have no pride.." igot me appreciating for what i have . Wishing the family ,and many in their predictcament, all the very best. God Bless.
May Allah bless them all ... Love watching this.
Same here, I wish to help them wirh rent and other expenses if they had way of contact.
@@drgreenthumb0290 if you look in the description you can see the video was recording in 2017
Don’t thank Allah, thank America for helping them (I’m in immigrant too).
@@alexandergonzalez5975 if it wasn't allah non of this would've happen
@@alexandergonzalez5975 plus the US is responsible of all the distruction in Iraq Syria and so many others country this is the least they can do
Very nice documentary, I hope the family still doing good or even better!!
I’m very happy for this family. Welcome to America.
Count your blessings every day. Even the little things we may take for granted are but a dream come true for others. God bless. One love.
Good luck. Hope you are all doing well with your new life.
This is such an enthralling story that I have a hard time believing it’s true. The mother truly has a peculiar persona. She makes this video worth watching.
I think Syrian are good people...because. There is this guy from Syria who now base in the Philippines as a RUclipsr...he is a good samaritan...he is helping the needy.
WHAT A LOVING X BEAUTIFUL FAMILY...CAN NOT IMAGINE HOW ARDUOUS INTEGRATION MUST BE X TO HAVE TO LEAVE EVERYTHING FAMILIAR TO YOU AT 50Y/O. THEY ARE COURAGEOUS X INSPIRING ❤ ❤ ❤ MAY GOD BLESS THEM ALL 🙏
These women are so strong god bless
It seems they have done well for themselves. Although they received a lot of help, they made their own way. Now we will see Afghani's do the same and they will be successful.
@David Rosenberg
Another family who have not yet discovered contraception
Thank you for this nice video on this family.
The Mother was truly happy for her freedom as an Arab Woman now..... just like many Arab Women dreams to be treated fairly by their own husband....God Bless You Madame and your whole family....
I really don’t think that her husband treating bad back in Syria.She looks more dominant then her husband
@@zekimelihmuti5501 and. The husband is a hard worker
Why would you say something like that. Her husband was kind and nice towards her and the children.
I LOVE the mom so much. May Allah bless her 100000 times
I understand it how difficult it is to kill your self-esteem and take financial help from others in difficult times like this....
These are really hard times at least after corona...
May Allah bless all.
That was very interesting....am learning so much from these documentaries 👍
That one guy that said “don’t let him drive you out”🥺💘
Thank you al Jazeera. What an awesome documentary on these refugees.
Such an amazing story
Glad to have these good people here in America!
What beautiful confidence the wife gets from working. And the girl aslo wants to earn and stand on her own legs