Until something is lost, rarely is it fully appreciated. One can conjure various scenarios in which they might lose coveted possessions in their life, but it is near impossible to imagine the trauma many refugees have experienced in their need to escape the war and flee to neighboring countries.
Some activists understand this, and one in particular is inspired to capture this heartbreaking reality through photography. Ari Safri, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, had this to say about the series of photos he took and shared with Bored Panda about the refugees crisis.
“As a human like us, they have a same feeling to keep a valuable things beside them. The things that keep their memorable value to their life. For that reason I’m interested to do this project that I want to know about their lives deeper, by knowing what valuable and memorable items they have brought with them during the journey to Malaysia to seek refuge.”
For the world to become a better place, every individual must learn how to empathize and relate to others – no matter how different they might seem. Because everyone seeks love, it should not matter one’s ethnicity, religious beliefs, or country of origin. Just scroll through the photos below for a reminder of this truth.
See more of Ari Safri’s works by visiting his website.
A toy from his father believed to be lost.
Khafid Ahmed Khaif, 4 years old. This toy is the only thing he loves.
A family picture.
Mohd Ghafar Malik, 39 years old, ethnic of Rakhine, Myanmar. One of his sons is now in Myanmar and taken care of by his aunt. When he miss his son, he looks at this picture.
Her 9-year-old daughter’s dress.
Salimah Gafu, ethnic of Rakhine, 36. Her daughter lives in Myanmar with her relative.
A plate of Thanaka, a traditional herb talc, that was used by all her family before.
Tawhidah Mohd Ghafar, 18 years old, ethnic Rakhine, Myanmar. She lost two of her sisters due to war.
Her coveted school bag
Laila Amiruddin, 17 years old, ethnic Rohingya, Myanmar.
The only reminder of her husband; She was 7 months pregnant when she escaped and gave birth in Malaysia.
Somali women, Filsan Jama Muse holding her son. Her husband is believed to be lost due to war.
A slingshot from his childhood friend.
Abdul Basik, 18 years old.
The slippers she wore when escaping to Malaysia.
Shaban Amiruddin, 18 years old, ethnic of Rohingya, Myanmar.
His last 200 Kyat note.
Mohamad Haniff Hussain, Ethnic of Rakhine, Myanmar.
A traditional Somali cloth given to him by his father, who is believed to be lost.
Somali boy, Ali Abdisalam, 15 years old.
Hadith book
Osman Mohamad, 37 years old, ethnic of Rohingya.
His engagement picture.
Osman Bilal, 31 years old, ethnic of Rakhine, Myanmar. Second from right is his fiancee who is now living in Myanmar.
What are your thoughts on this powerful collection? Comment below and please share this article.
This article (12 Photos Of Refugees And Their Most Valuable Possessions After Fleeing To Malaysia) is free and open source. You have permission to republish this article under a Creative Commons license with attribution to the author and TrueActivist.com
