Jihad (29) is Kurdish and grew up in Syria. What he appreciates about Austria is the fine arts, the sophistication, and the morality. Jihad describes himself as helpful and loyal. His goal is to become self-employed.

Place of birth
Damascus, Syria

Education/occupation
→ Chef

I spent two days in Austria playing goalkeeper for Kicken ohne Grenzen in a tournament. My cousin took me along because they needed a goalkeeper. I didn't understand anyone, and no one understood me. But we were successful.

     I continued to play for Kicken ohne Grenzen because I felt comfortable there. I met a lot of people there. We were like a family—no matter what color our skin was, no matter where we came from. I never felt like a stranger there. We were together, whether playing, eating, drinking, or traveling. The Kicken ohne Grenzen team helped me a lot—including with the German language. I had the best years of my life here after I came to Austria. Kicken ohne Grenzen gave me a lot of respect, hope, and optimism.

     I started playing football when I was eight years old. I often went with my father, who was a football player and coach. In Syria, I played as a goalkeeper for a first division club.

»I have experienced the most wonderful years here since coming to Austria.«

In 2015, I came to Austria alone from Syria. I fled the war. I am Kurdish. Life used to be difficult for Kurds in Syria. My father was unable to obtain any documents. My whole family is still in Syria, and I am in regular contact with them. I believe that the situation in Syria will get even worse after the war ends.

     At first, it was very difficult for me in Austria. I couldn't speak German, had no friends, was always alone, everything was new to me. Through contact with people, I quickly learned German. It took three or four years for me to get used to life here.

     If I hadn't come to Austria, I would still be living in Damascus. I would have finished my training as a baker. I would probably be married and have a small family. And I would have my own company. That was a big goal of mine.

     I like the culture and the people in Austria. I've been to the State Opera, Schönbrunn and Belvedere. I even went skiing in Carinthia once.

»It took me three or four years to get used to life there.«

My first job in Austria was at the Ströck bakery. I worked there for four years. Then I broke my foot playing football and had problems with my back and shoulder. That's why I couldn't continue working there. I had to take a short break, then I looked for a new job on the internet. After a month of searching, I found one: at the French restaurant Beaulieu in Vienna's first district. I was a dishwasher for a few months. Now I'm a chef. I didn't do an apprenticeship; my colleagues trained me. I've been working there for three years now.

     I enjoy cooking. In our restaurant we have lots of fish dishes, ratatouille, onion soup and much more. I don't speak French; in the kitchen we speak German. I like French cuisine. My favourite dish is rice with meat. But I don't cook at home; I order pizza instead. Sometimes I go to an Arabic restaurant in Vienna to eat.

     My life has changed a lot in the last ten years: new people, new culture, new language. Nevertheless, I look back on this time positively. In ten years, I would like to have my own Kurdish restaurant and offer typical Kurdish dishes such as bulgur with meat. That is my goal. And I would like to be married.

»New people, new culture, new language.«

Fotos: Karo Pernegger
Interviews: Birgit Riezinger

Diese Geschichten wurden im Rahmen des 10-jährigen Jubiläums von Breaking Grounds protokolliert.