Syrian family finds refuge in New York
After fleeing war-torn Syria, the Ferdous family was among just 1,500 Syrian refugees have entered the U.S. since 2011. They found refuge living in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Despite President Obama's promise to accept 10,000 Syrian refugees next year a debate rages with many of the country's governors opposing resettlement in their states and other's taking a public stance in support of the refugees.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, in highlighting these photos produced by the Mayoral Photography Office Chief Photographer Michael Appleton wrote, "Our city is proud to embrace the Ferdous family, who have called New York City home since 2012. These photos share their story. This is what the life of Syrian war refugees living in NYC really looks like."
In this photo, the Ferdous family walks down past Christmas trees for sale on Montague street in Brooklyn on a shopping trip.
Syrians refugees in New York
In 2012, with the war in Syria escalating and under threat of arrest because her husband did not join the army, Eman fled her hometown of Latakia, Syria, with their 3-year-old daughter, Souad. Upon arrival, mother and daughter were reunited with Eman's husband, Abdullah, who had moved to New York City in 2010 on a two-year work visa.
Here, Souad, 6, plays in the hallway of her family's two bedroom apartment in Brooklyn while her mother and grandmother cook dinner for the family.
Syrians refugees in New York
Souad and 2-year-old Hassan play on mobile devices as they sit together on the living room sofa. The family welcomed a second child, their son Hassan, after their arrival.
Souad suffers from anxiety due to her exposure to the fighting in Syria. She receives counseling for her condition and is thriving at home and at school.
Syrians refugees in New York
Eman feeds her son, Hassan, a traditional Syrian dish of Maqlooba during dinner in their Brooklyn apartment.
The Ferdous family is living in the U.S. under temporary protected status, which is only granted to people from designated countries which currently includes Syria, Haiti, Syria, El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal and Liberia. The status, enacted as part of the Immigration Act of 1990, is granted to those who are temporarily unable to return to their homelands because of ongoing civil strife, the impact of environmental disaster or other "extraordinary and temporary conditions."
Syrians refugees in New York
Grandmother Souad, 58, prays in the window of her bedroom at the family's apartment. In 2013, Abdullah's parents also fled Syria, and now live in the family's Brooklyn apartment.
Syrians refugees in New York
Abdullah Ferdous walks in Brooklyn on his way to a food market where he is installing appliances and lighting.
Syrians refugees in New York
Abdullah Ferdous, who works as an electrician, changes a lighting fixture at a food market in Brooklyn.
The temporary protected status allows Hassan the freedom to provide for his family by working as an electrician.
Syrians refugees in New York
Souad plays with classmates at school in Brooklyn.
Syrians refugees in New York
Hassan Ferdous carries his grandson, also named Hassan, with Eman as they travel to Downtown Brooklyn to go shopping and visit the Brooklyn Heights Promenade.
Syrians refugees in New York
Eman rides the subway with her daughter, Souad, 6, and son Hassan, 2, on their way to Downtown Brooklyn.
Syrians refugees in New York
The Ferdous family takes in the view of the Manhattan skyline from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade.