I was born in Iran in 1975. The Iranian Revolution (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranian_revolution), which took place in 1979, was catastrophic for my family. As an Orthodox family amidst an Islamic Revolution we had no choice but to leave to ensure our safety. The government seized our assets, my father lost his job and we fled to Lebanon nearly penniless.
I vividly remember being at the airport in Iran with my family and being stopped by the immigration officers, because at the time people were not allowed to travel or leave if due to the revolution. My mother and I were taken to an interrogation room. I was placed in a corner on a chair while my mother was interrogated viciously. I cried the whole time not being able to be close to my mother. We finally were released and made our way to Lebanon. I will never forget that moment in my life – horrific and painful.
In Lebanon we faced another catastrophe known as the Lebanese Civil War (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanese_Civil_War). We managed to survive it for 3 years as my parents went back and forth between Lebanon and Cyprus with me, where most Lebanese refugees go for safety and shelter during wartime.
We finally made it to Cyprus and settled there in peace. I started my education there in a British school, made friends and finally enjoyed life. Everything else thereafter fell into place, and today I am here in Switzerland thankful to my parents who protected me the whole time and ensured we would survive these two horrific ordeals.
Today I look back at these events, especially in light of what is happening in the Middle East recently, and am thankful that we survived. Sadly, my family from my father’s side remain in Lebanon and take it one day at a time with hopes to leave one day.
I hope that one day the Middle East will see peace. The losses and suffering of innocent families and children is heartbreaking.