Sara Mardini
Illustration by Daria Filippova
Syrian human rights activist, Sara Mardini (along with her sister Yusra) made TIME’s “100 Most Influential People” list for 2023. Sara, a war refugee and competitive swimmer, survived a perilous sea-escape on the Aegean involving an overcrowded boat, a failed motor, and a heroic manual tow for the ages. We interviewed her:
Unimaginable horror unfolded off the coast of Greece on June 14. As many as 750 migrants, many of whom were women and children from Syria, Libya, Egypt, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, are presumed dead in the Ionian Sea. How can tragedies like this be prevented in the future?
Right now it is illegal to rescue migrants at sea in many countries. It’s called sea rescue and it’s illegal. That needs to change. Also, open borders!
Together with your sister, you took a similarly dangerous sea journey and survived. What pushed you to take this risk?
I had no place to call home anymore. It was too dangerous to go anywhere (in Syria). We couldn’t go to school. And of course there was no swimming pool!!
Why do you think so many countries are opposed to opening borders to refugees fleeing desperate conditions?
Many people fear change. They’re afraid of others speaking a language they don’t understand. They’re concerned about people practicing a religion they know nothing about. Too many in power are stuck in a rigid, old way of thinking. They’re afraid to leave their comfort zones.
When and where are you happiest?
In the future. When sea rescue is decriminalized. When no one else drowns in the sea. Then my tears will finally dry.
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