Syrian Activist and Ukrainian Teacher Honored for Their Advocacy
A Syrian dissident and a Ukrainian teacher have been recognized for their outstanding dedication to advocating for asylum seekers and refugees. The accolades were awarded at a ceremony hosted by the Refugee Council of Australia and NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors.
The prestigious awards were presented by NSW Governor Margaret Beazley on Wednesday evening, honoring individuals from various fields such as education, business, sport, and the regions.
Odarka Brecko, 71, the principal of St Andrew’s Ukrainian School in western Sydney, has been a fervent champion of the Slavic language for over five decades. However, her award took on even greater significance in light of the Russian invasion. Grateful and proud, Brecko sees the recognition as not just a personal triumph but as a representation of the entire Ukrainian community and country. Her parents, themselves refugees, arrived in Australia during the 1950s and were placed in detention camps. In these camps, they instilled a love for their culture and language in their children—a tradition that now serves as an anchor for Ukrainian immigrants defending their country’s identity.
Our culture is being destroyed in front of our eyes, Brecko lamented. But I feel like we’re doing our role here in Australia in helping rebuild our nation.
Mahmoud Murad was also highly commended for his exceptional work with disabled asylum seekers and refugees. For Murad, the awards ceremony marked a stark contrast to his previous life under continual aerial bombardment in war-torn Syria. Despite living with a disability, Murad became an outspoken activist against the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Leveraging his background as an offset printer, he circulated a clandestine newspaper documenting the daily losses in Homs, a rebel stronghold that faced relentless attacks from al-Assad’s forces.
His brave yet underground activities made him a target of the government, forcing him to flee to Lebanon and ultimately seek refuge in Australia on a humanitarian visa in 2014. Although Murad battles severe muscular atrophy, which affects his mobility, it hasn’t stopped him from providing support to his community. Highlighting the misconceptions surrounding refugees, Murad emphasized the contributions made by many newcomers. Through his information hub for Arabic-speaking refugees, he assists them in navigating the disability sector and overcoming employment barriers. Additionally, Murad works as a research assistant with multiple universities, further exemplifying his commitment to making a difference.
Amidst the ongoing refugee crisis, these remarkable individuals serve as beacons of hope and inspiration. Their unwavering dedication and advocacy not only offer support to the displaced but also challenge prevailing stereotypes and misconceptions around refugees. Their recognition and the platform it provides shed light on the stories of countless others who, like them, strive to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their new communities.
