A Syrian family fled to Saudi Arabia escaping religious persecution after relatives, who are of the Druze religious minority, were killed. The matriarch of the family, Kouhaila Al-Attrach, her daughter Alya El-Sharity, and granddaughter Haya Amer had little hope of returning once the war in Syria broke out. The family, seeking a permanent home, sought asylum in the U.S. and nestled in Scottdale, a small rust belt town in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Despite the warm welcome from a local church, the family said they faced various instances of discrimination. They ultimately made the difficult decision to return to their war-torn country.

Unsettled
Fleeing religious persecution, Roudaina El-Sharity, left, sent her mother, right, and daughter to America while she prepared applications to resettle with them. Nine months later, Alya obtained temporary protective status and rejoined her family in

Fleeing religious persecution, Roudaina El-Sharity, left, sent her mother, right, and daughter to America while she prepared applications to resettle with them. Nine months later, Alya obtained temporary protective status and rejoined her family in Scottdale, Pennsylvania, a small town Southeast of Pittsburgh. The family was dependent on Alya, but she could not legally work without a social security card, putting strain on the Syrian mother.

Haya, who turned 11 in July, said she struggled without her mother as Alya waited for documentation to live in the U.S. Haya occupied herself with school during the day and with toys gifted to her by the Mennonite church. Aside from the family’s fin

Haya, who turned 11 in July, said she struggled without her mother as Alya waited for documentation to live in the U.S. Haya occupied herself with school during the day and with toys gifted to her by the Mennonite church. Aside from the family’s financial struggles, Haya said she liked living in America and had dreams of attending Harvard one day.

Kouhaila Al-Attrach, a skilled seamstress, became close with members of the Mennonite church in Scottsdale after joining their Comfort Zone Sewing Circle, where she made school bags for children in need. Al-Attrach and her granddaughter, Haya, began

Kouhaila Al-Attrach, a skilled seamstress, became close with members of the Mennonite church in Scottsdale after joining their Comfort Zone Sewing Circle, where she made school bags for children in need. Al-Attrach and her granddaughter, Haya, began attending the church shortly thereafter.

As their savings began to run out the family was forced to rely on the generosity of others. Members of the Mennonite church led by Elder Dave Garber, left, assisted the family in attempts to resettle.

As their savings began to run out the family was forced to rely on the generosity of others. Members of the Mennonite church led by Elder Dave Garber, left, assisted the family in attempts to resettle.

While kids at the church were friendly, Haya, who attended Southmoreland Elementary School, said she experienced nearly constant bullying at school. She was called a terrorist and once a child pushed her down a slope, causing a bruise to her knee. T

While kids at the church were friendly, Haya, who attended Southmoreland Elementary School, said she experienced nearly constant bullying at school. She was called a terrorist and once a child pushed her down a slope, causing a bruise to her knee. The school declined comment.

Using clay, Haya made what she called “Trump’s wall” based on what she had heard on television.

Using clay, Haya made what she called “Trump’s wall” based on what she had heard on television.

Kouhaila Al-Attrach, prepares food for her granddaughter, while at their home in Scottdale. While Roudaina looked for work Kouhaila helped with household chores and cooking.

Kouhaila Al-Attrach, prepares food for her granddaughter, while at their home in Scottdale. While Roudaina looked for work Kouhaila helped with household chores and cooking.

Arlene Miller, left, a member of the Mennonite church, gave Roudaina a ride to the social security office. Roudaina was turned away for not having the right documentation. After eight months of waiting, she finally received notification that she cou

Arlene Miller, left, a member of the Mennonite church, gave Roudaina a ride to the social security office. Roudaina was turned away for not having the right documentation. After eight months of waiting, she finally received notification that she could apply for a social security number.

Haya takes a nap while she waits for her mom at a federal office in Fayette County, Pa. Trips to government offices have become routine as the family attempt to resettle.

Haya takes a nap while she waits for her mom at a federal office in Fayette County, Pa. Trips to government offices have become routine as the family attempt to resettle.

Alya says she was denied employment multiple times and bullying against her daughter escalated. The family says discrimination stonewalled them from building a new life. “We are looking for peace,” said Kouhaila Al-Attrach. The family ultimately le

Alya says she was denied employment multiple times and bullying against her daughter escalated. The family says discrimination stonewalled them from building a new life.

“We are looking for peace,” said Kouhaila Al-Attrach. The family ultimately left the U.S. and instead settled in Damascus.