For many people in Nijmegen, war is a distant issue. But not for Jan Mustafa (24), medicine student. In 2020, he fled Syria. He had expressed criticism of the Syrian regime on social media.

‘My cousin and uncle were randomly shot dead at the beginning of January. While they were at work. In a hospital. Simply because they are Kurdish. When I heard the news, I didn’t know what to do at first. I was in the middle of my exam period. The first night I stayed up until four in the morning constantly checking the news. But in the days after that, I could hardly study either—I kept thinking about what had happened. Miraculously, I passed my courses, don’t ask me how.

In 2020, I fled Syria. I had expressed criticism of the Syrian regime on social media. I didn’t see the problem at the time, but it quickly became clear that government forces were looking for me. I immediately arranged with a smuggler to cross the border into Turkey. After a detour, I eventually ended up in the Netherlands. It was strange to leave my friends and family behind overnight. In the first few weeks, I even thought I might return. But that was not an option.

By now, my parents also live in the Netherlands. Other family members have fled as well, to different countries. That my relatives were murdered because of who they are hurts me deeply. In a hospital, of all places, where they help everyone regardless of background. Government forces entered and shot several Kurds. That is truly bizarre. How can you be like that as a human being?

Respect each other

I hope people stop killing each other and start seeing each other as human beings again. Not only in Syria, but everywhere. Talk to one another and try to understand each other—especially when you come from different backgrounds or have different opinions, dialogue is important. Respect each other, despite the differences.

My cousin was fifteen years older than me; I looked up to him. When I was younger, he used to take me to the hospital where he worked as a pharmacist. That’s what made me want to study medicine as well. During my teenage years, he was also very important to me. He was there for me whenever I needed him. It hurts so much that I couldn’t attend his funeral. He was such a kind person. I still can’t fully comprehend what has happened.’