Syrialism seeks to question the perception of justice, revenge, home, assimilation, religion, and most importantly, how we receive facts and build connections. Stories come from a pacific activist, an ex jihadi, a filmmaker, a drug dealer, an immigrant, an artist, and more.
“I felt bitter and guilty because I couldn't stop violence. When the war began, I found myself eating meat again.”
“I cannot go to sleep without turning on the Syrian regime television. The images of soldiers protect me.”
“I used to hide but now I reveal my identity and fight to share the public space”
“A survivor can't be trapped in nostalgia.”
“And those silly questions keep drilling in your head, until you are completely distracted from the fundamental questions.”
“Under torture, you cannot see the line between real and surreal. I saw myself in a serene place holding my daughter. That image motivated me to survive. “
“Each subject caused me specific nightmares. I battled between the will to stop listening and the desire to better my understanding and to make unexpected photographs.”
“I want to add Charlie's Checkpoint to my collection. I had to pass through 38 checkpoints in order to escape Syria.”
“Being a drag dealer is my destiny. In Berlin the fine is 410 euros. While ISIS wanted to cut my arm and leg.”
“The bloody war you see on TV does not prevent commercial exchange among the enemies.”
“I served for both the Syrian army and the rebels. In the field only the "morality" of war exists.”
“I provide wedding dresses for all ages, starting from 11 years old. Fathers from Raqqa arrange marriages just so their daughters can escape ISIS grooms.”
“God sent me a message in a magical moment. He wanted me to stop beheading people. It was my moment of salvation.”
“My Syrian folks help logistically and mentally. I never walk alone.”
" My Mom said: you are going to leave me anyhow. Either you will go into the army, or you will go to Amsterdam. It’s better if you follow your dream.’’
“He used to electrocute my penis, but then, happily, the tormentor became a fellow prisoner. Revenge was a must.”
“First come, first served.”
"I left Syria because I didn't want to work as a middleman between the detainee's family and the authority. I am only a barber."