Mariela Shaker is a refugee from Aleppo, one of more than 4.8 million Syrians who have fled the brutal war that has engulfed the country for six years. Her home is largely in ruins, and she describes the city as a slaughterhouse, but her entire family is still there, struggling to survive.
The 26 year old’s incredible musical talent earned her a full scholarship to study in the United States—and a reprieve from the violence. Now a violinist in demand, Mariela has performed at the Kennedy Center and United Nations, where she was part of the World Refugee Day commemoration. Recently, she played for donors and friends of the International Rescue Committee at its annual gala, one of the many events she attends to raise awareness of the plight of refugees and be their voice. She was also honored at the White House as a "Champion of Change."
Read her full story on Uprooted, the IRC's Medium publication.
