Reports | 25 05 2020
Marwa Balkar works at Disneyland: I am not religious, yet I do not accept that anyone impugn my religion.
Marwa Balkar, the young Syrian of Circassian origin, replied to racist remarks made by US businessman Donald Trump two days ago on his Facebook page; and that raised significant controversy on social media and media sites around the world.
In an exclusive interview with Radio Rozana, Balkar says: "They make these racist statements to frighten people, and show themselves as heroes… I do not fear Trump, or any one of his people, because they are cowards."
The young Syrian lady confirms that she had not anticipated all this media or social media hype. She advises that she deals with hundreds of people on daily basis, via her work at Disneyland, and says: "I received support from my friends, as well as from people I meet," then adds: "they would come and hug me… not only empathizing with me because I am a Muslim… but also because Donald Trump has caused harm to so many people."
Marwa comments on the remarks made by Ben Carson, the likely Republican candidate for the U.S. presidency, in which he described refugees as "rabid dogs,” by saying: "Ben Carson’s remarks were unclear, whether he meant to describe the innocent Syrian refugees or the Daesh extremists; whereas Trump's remarks were very clearly about Islam.”
She stresses that it she is not a religious person, saying: "I do not speak about Islam on a daily basis,” noting that she considers religion as a private relationship between herself and God. "I chose the peace symbol to denote my being a Muslim, because it is known to all and requires no explanation."
Marwa learned her negotiation and argument skills assets while studying Public Relations at university; and considers that this study has impacted the manner in which she wrote her Facebook post. She says: "I did not write any words to merely express my anger.” Balkar considers this incident a turning point in her life, “this ill prompt me to work on human rights issues—not just defending Islam."
The 22-year-old girl had the chance to visit her native Syria only twice. She tells Rozana about her love for the capital, Damascus, and Mount Qassioun’s wonderful panoramic views. She also says that she liked the "green color of the mosques’ minarets, and the sound of the Athan [call to prayers], which you can hear all around.” She expresses her sorrow and regret at most of her friends being forced to leave the country due to the war.
U.S. businessman—and potential candidate for the upcoming U.S. presidential elections—Donald Trump, had called for signs to identify Muslims in the United States. This provoked strong criticism among American Muslims, as well as American human rights and anti-racial and religious discrimination movements.