Refugee

Mahmoud and his family wait at the border of Turkey, surrounded by countless Syrian families. Mahmoud notes that the children act like “miniature adults,” with very little crying or whining. Mahmoud and his family have walked eight hours over two days, joining up with hundreds of other refugees who are also walking north. Mahmoud is glad to disappear among them—invisible.

Mahmoud feels like he is in trouble as they approach the Turkish border guards. Mahmoud realizes, looking at his family, that they look “tired and poor and wretched” after walking for so long, and he admits to himself that he probably wouldn’t let any of these people in if he were a Turkish border guard. But when Mahmoud’s family gets to the front of the line, the border agent gives them temporary visas and allows them in.

Mahmoud and his family then enter into a giant refugee camp with masses of white tents. While walking through the city, Youssef finds information about a smuggler who can get them from Turkey to Greece, but they have to travel to the Turkish city of Izmir—a 12-hour car ride, non-stop. He goes to see if he can find a bus for them to take.

Mahmoud continues to walk through the city, and finds a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle toy that he can buy for Waleed. Mahmoud also notices a car driving through the city, with a young couple in the back. He realizes it is a marriage procession—it is Syrian tradition to be escorted to one’s wedding by a parade of cars. Then, suddenly, Youssef finds Mahmoud and says that he found a ride, but they have to leave immediately.