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A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea summary

Name: A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea
Author: Melissa Fleming

Melissa Fleming

One Refugee's Incredible Story of Love, Loss, and Survival

20 mins

Brief summary

A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea by Melissa Fleming is a moving true story of a Syrian refugee's journey to Europe. It highlights the power of hope and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.

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Women's Stories The Human Condition Wars

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A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea
Summary of 6 key ideas

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What’s in it for me? Discover a tale of resilience and adversity.

Imagine yourself sitting by the seaside, gazing upon the vast expanse of the water. In such a beautiful moment, it's easy to forget that many such waters have borne witness to countless tales of hope, struggle, and survival.

In this Blink, you’ll be introduced to Doaa – a young Syrian woman whose journey from her homeland, ravaged by conflict, takes her across the Mediterranean in search of a better life. Through her story, you'll gain insights into the challenges faced by refugees and the undying strength of the human spirit amid adversity.

Home

In the heart of southwest Syria, the city of Daraa lies close to the Jordanian border and is a short, two-hour drive from the capital city of Damascus. It was once famed for its agriculture, producing figs, apples, olives, and pomegranates that were exported far and wide. It was even said that Daraa's abundance could feed the entirety of Syria.

But time, as it often does, had different plans for Daraa. By 2007, a harrowing drought had consumed Syria. Farmers, forced to abandon the fields they once loved, sought refuge and work in the cities, with Daraa being a sanctuary for many. Some say this massive upheaval and displacement sowed the seeds of discontent that, by 2011, erupted into powerful protests. This, of course, would turn into the horrific Syrian Civil War.

But let’s rewind back to 2001, when Daraa was still a safe haven and six-year-old Doaa Al Zamel was growing up. A new dawn was rising in Syria, with Bashar al-Assad taking up the presidency after the long reign of his father, Hafez. A collective breath of hope was held by the Syrian populace; they were envisioning a brighter future under this young leader. The air was thick with anticipation – a belief that the oppressive emergency law, long used as a shield to stifle dissent, would finally be lifted and herald in a new era of freedoms and rights.

But throughout the rest of Doaa’s childhood, these changes didn’t surface. And then, in 2010, everything changed. A young Tunisian named Mohamed Bouazizi, driven by despair and frustration, set himself ablaze. This act was more than just a personal outcry – it was the spark that ignited the Arab Spring.

The news spread, and the streets of Daraa and beyond hummed with excitement and trepidation. There were those who dreamed of change, like young Doaa, yearning for a world where her aspirations were not tethered by tradition. Would Syria, too, feel the tremors of revolution?

As the first protests began to emerge across the Arab world, millions of people, including the Al Zamel family, were filled with hope. What might this ripple effect mean for them and their Syrian homeland?

A nation in turmoil

The tragic self-immolation of a simple Tunisian fruit vendor ended up with full-blown protests – for the first time ever, the decades-long iron grip of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was being seriously challenged. Then, on January 14, 2011, in an unprecedented move that sent shockwaves across the Arab world, Ben Ali was ousted from power. The fall of a once seemingly invincible dictator posed a question that many had deemed unthinkable: Was it possible to topple the long-standing strongmen of the Middle East?

Not long after, protests began in Egypt and whispers of dissent emerged in Syria. Little did 16-year-old Doaa know that her beloved city of Daraa was about to become the birthplace of the Syrian revolution.

The journey begins

By November 2012, Syria had been caught in the grip of revolution for over a year. Tens of thousands were dead, and millions displaced. Doaa's family, like countless others, decided enough was enough – it was time to seek refuge elsewhere. The destination? Egypt.

To reach Egypt, the Al Zamel family first aimed for Jordan, planning to take a ferry. But upon arriving at the Jordanian border, they found themselves amid hundreds of vehicles, all filled with families similarly seeking refuge. The already tense atmosphere intensified as border guards demanded a ridiculous amount of money for crossing – money the Al Zamel family didn’t have. By total chance, one of Doaa’s uncles was selling newspapers nearby. He bribed the Jordanian officials, and the family’s passage was secured.

Daring to hope

After a prolonged period of deliberation, Doaa and Bassem decided that going to Europe would help them escape the political and social turmoil they faced. While Bassem initially proposed undertaking the perilous journey alone, Doaa was resolved that they should face the immense challenge of a Mediterranean crossing together.

Their first attempt to do so ended in misfortune – they were deceived, robbed, and ultimately detained for their efforts to board a ship. However, despite the setback, their determination remained unshaken. The dream of a safer, brighter future fueled their courage to attempt the treacherous crossing once more.

The dark abyss of the sea

Suddenly, the fleeting peace was shattered. In the distance, the roar of an engine grew louder. It wasn't just an engine’s noise; it was also hostile shouts and jeers. As the approaching fishing boat closed in, it showed no signs of slowing down. The force of the crash was so immense that many people were thrown off their feet. Wooden planks and waves of water splashed onto the refugee boat.

Amid the panic, Doaa and Bassem found themselves by the boat's railing, gripping onto each other and the edge, praying not to be thrown overboard. The attackers were relentless. A second ramming caused a nosedive, and the boat started sinking. Panic ensued. Water rushed in, drowning cries and screams. Doaa, gasping, found herself under the boat, beneath plastic rice sacks. Each breath was a fight against the engulfing water.

A new hope

Out of the 500 passengers who’d boarded the ship in Egypt in search of a better life, all but eleven perished. Yet, even as grief threatened to engulf her, Doaa refused to submit.

As others died around her, she found herself now embracing two infants. She held tight to Masa and Malak for an agonizing four days and nights. Between the crashing waves and the weight of loss, she sang songs and recited verses from the Quran – comforting them, and herself. Driven by sheer will, she became their caretaker, proving that even in the harshest conditions, the human spirit can persevere.

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What is A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea about?

A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea (2017) introduces you to Doaa Al Zamel, a young Syrian girl whose world turns upside down after the eruption of her country's civil war. Embarking on a perilous journey to Europe for safety and a better future, she confronts challenges that test her limits.

A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea Review

A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea (2017) tells the harrowing true story of a young Syrian refugee and her journey to freedom. Here's why this book is worth reading:

Offers a compelling and intimate account of the refugee crisis in Syria, shedding light on the human side of the conflict.
Provides a unique perspective on the resilience, strength, and determination of individuals who face unimaginable challenges.
Through its poignant storytelling and powerful descriptions, it captivates readers, evoking empathy and understanding for refugees around the world.

Who should read A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea?

Anyone wanting to empathize with the experiences of refugees
Activists and advocates for humanitarian causes
Seekers of profound stories of human resilience

About the Author

Melissa Fleming is the chief spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, or UNHCR. She actively works in war zones and refugee camps, drawing attention to the plight of those forcibly displaced.

Categories with A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea

Biography & Memoir Motivation & Inspiration History

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