Life in Orleans, France: A Refuge from War
Orleans, the picturesque French city with historical ties to Joan of Arc, has become a new home for many Syrian refugees. For Nabil Attar, a former businessman in Damascus, Orleans has provided a sense of security and a new lease on life.
From Businessman to Restaurateur
Attar’s life changed dramatically when his son was kidnapped by Bashar al-Assad’s regime nearly a decade ago. He was forced to pay a significant amount of money to secure his son’s release. The experience left a lasting impact, and Attar eventually left Syria to join his family in France. In Orleans, he discovered a new passion for cooking and opened his own restaurant, Narenj, in 2018.
A New Life in Orleans
Attar’s restaurant is a testament to his mother’s recipes, including creamy mutabal, a roasted eggplant dip garnished with sesame and pomegranate. The restaurant has become a popular spot for locals, including Sophie Martinet, his former French teacher, who admires his talent and character. Attar’s story is a symbol of the resilience and determination of Syrian refugees in France.
Debates on Syrian Refugees
The downfall of the Assad regime has sparked debates in Europe about Syrian refugees. Some countries, like Germany and Austria, are reconsidering their asylum policies, suggesting financial incentives for Syrians to return home. France, hosting only 30,000 Syrian refugees, shows similar hardening attitudes, with a poll showing 70% support for suspending new asylum claims.
Challenges and Concerns
Many refugees fear returning to Syria, citing the volatile and unpredictable situation. Olivia Sundberg Diez of Amnesty International warns of the dangers, while rights advocates like Will Todman stress the risks of rushing returns during Syria’s fragile transition. Ramez Ghadri, a gynecologist, and Ehad Naily, a rights lawyer, express concern about Syria’s future under new leadership, citing the country’s shattered infrastructure and ethnic tensions.
Conclusion
For Attar, the thought of returning to Syria is not a pleasant one. He is content with his life in France, where he has built a new community and a successful restaurant. While he remains optimistic about Syria’s future, he is proud of the life he has built in Orleans.
FAQs
- What is the current situation in Syria?
The situation in Syria is volatile and unpredictable. - What are the concerns about returning to Syria?
Refugees fear the country’s infrastructure is shattered, and ethnic tensions remain high. - What are the current asylum policies in Europe?
Some countries, like Germany and Austria, are reconsidering their asylum policies, while France has shown hardening attitudes. - What is the future of refugees in France?
Many refugees, like Attar, have found a new sense of security and purpose in France, while others remain concerned about the situation in Syria.
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