A FAMILY has revealed how they fled their wartorn homeland to rebuild a new life with the support of bighearted Donegal people.
The parents are from middle east country Syria are former teacher Abdul Ahmad and his wife Malek.
They made “brave and often life-changing” decisions for their safety and have settled in beautiful Inishowen town Carndonagh after spending time in direct provision.
Their story has been told by TG4 telly show Moving West with presenter Mary Kennedy listening as Abdul revealed how their lives have been turned upside down.
A TG4 spokesperson said: “Abdul has returned to a tradition he learned as a child, which is beekeeping, producing honey, and candles while raising his family in Donegal.
“In the fourth episode, we headed to Donegal where Mary met Abdul.
“Presenter Mary guides viewers through people’s stories, meeting those whose reasons for heading west are as varied as the landscapes they now call home.
“Remote workers, entrepreneurs, returned emigrants, international newcomers, creatives, beekeepers and restaurateurs all have chosen a different kind of life.
“Moving West gives them the space to tell that story in their own words.”
Syrian Beekeeper Abdul Ahmad. Credit TG4
Ahmad Ahmad examines his bees with presenter Mary Kennedy in Carndonagh. Credit TG4.
The spokesperson added: “Moving West is in its fourth series on TG4. It has a sense of quiet momentum that mirrors the shift it has spent four seasons documenting.
“Produced by Dundara Television and Media from its studio base in Allenwood, Co Kildare, in partnership with the Western Development Commission with support from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
“This six-part series follows individuals and families who have made the leap to build their lives along the western seaboard, like county Donegal.”
Mary said: “One of the great privileges of presenting Moving West is meeting people who have made brave and often life-changing decisions to start again in a different part of the country.
“Every story is different, but there is a common thread running through the series — people searching for connection, balance, community and a better quality of life.”
The Donegal episode aired on June 23 and is now available on the TG4 Player.