Um Merwa describes the routine terror felt before fleeing Syria. “I would fear for my husband, that someone would take him. I would fear for my children, fear of kidnapping and rape.” After witnessing open fire and murders, they fled.

Free from war, Um Merwa continues to live in a state of perpetual fear. She describes anxiously calling her teen-aged daughter and sons when they are not in the house, fearing potential acts of violence against them.

The one activity that consistently relaxes Um Merwa is knitting. She finds comfort in the solidarity the knitting group offers, reaffirming that she is not alone in her struggle.

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