Publisher's Synopsis
Can a Jewish man and a Muslim fall in love and marry? This Interfaith Love Story in a Syrian Refugee Camp is a poignant standalone romance that explores the complexities of love, religion, and the refugee crisis. "It is a heartwarming story that beautifully captures the power of love and highlights the unyielding spirit of those who dare to reach for it. Although all the characters are fictional, this novel has real-world implications.
Joe Gold, a medical student at NYU, grapples with heartbreak after his relationship with Staci ends. Seeking solace and purpose, Joe's father, Robert Gold, arranges an internship at the Zaatari Syrian refugee camp in Jordan. It is there that Joe encounters Alina Aziz, a Syrian Sunni nurse who carries the weight of loss- her parents perished in a bombing. Alina's unwavering commitment to her deaf brother, Ishmael, and adherence to Islamic norms shape her every action. Their love and intertwining lives defy the odds of religion and culture, blooming in a place where hope is scarce and forcing them to explore their feelings for their faith and love for each other. They discover that Islam and Judaism have many similarities. Joe's love for Alina leads to a lapse in judgment when Alina invites Joe to a Syrian wedding. At the celebration's end, he leans in, seeking a kiss. But Alina's response is swift __a shove. Unmarried and mindful of cultural norms, she refrains from displaying affection in public.
They dream of residing in the USA with Ishmael, and Alina makes it clear that she can't leave Zaatari without her brother. However, immigration laws may prevent their hopes of a life together in America. Joe goes on a quest to navigate bureaucracy, combat family biases, and bridge the gap between the two faiths. He recruits his dad to assist him. Can Joe convince his parents that marrying a Muslim woman is all right? Will they marry? Will they be able to have a new life in the USA? This moment underscores the delicate balance they must navigate between desire and tradition. Despite the challenges, Alina and Joe are resolute in pursuing love and marriage.
As Joe and Alina's lives intertwine, their contrasting worlds merge into a harmonious symphony of affection and hope. But the world beyond the camp's confines is unforgiving. The invisible walls of policy and prejudice thwart Alina's dreams of stepping onto American soil. Joe must navigate a labyrinth of legalities and long-held biases, with the help of his father, to fight for their future together. Alina, a refugee, is bound by the camp's confines. Leaving is no simple decision; it involves navigating bureaucratic mazes and overcoming the heavy burden of displacement. And then there's Ishmael, the anchor of Alina's existence. She won't leave without him, even if it means sacrificing her chance at a better life.
Joe's mother, Leah, struggles with his unexpected romance with Alina. She is intent on ending the relationship and having Joe marry a Jewish woman. In contrast, Joe's father, a dean at NYU, remains open-minded. However, Joe's dad can't seem to succeed in bringing Alina and her brother to New York. Joe takes matters into his own hands and seeks out the US Ambassador in Amman, which results in Joe blowing up. Will Joe and Alina wed, and will they be able to go to the United States?
