28 Ahmad, Iman & Laith

Ahmad, Iman and their son Laith. 27, 22 and 2 years old. Syrian. | When their families took refuge in Jordan, Ahmad and Iman became neighbors. On both sides of the street, both mothers asked their children if they wanted to marry. Ahmad said yes right away, while Iman took two days to think it over. The girl knew that by marrying Ahmad, she would never be able to return to her country. Her suitor deserted the Syrian army in November 2011, “when they started using weapons against civilians.” Enrolled in the United Nations refugee resettlement program, the young couple arrived in France with their son in November 2017. They like the city of Montargis, because “there is no racism and all nationalities live together in their building.” Ahmad and Iman are particularly affected by the residents of the retirement home next door. Every day, as they pass by, they try to exchange a few words with the elderly. Ahmad does not understand why “these old people are left there.” As for Iman, when she watches her son play on their laps, her thoughts go out to her parents who returned to Syria without her. | Montargis, France 2019