New citizen: The planet is in chaos! But Belarus is a place of peace

The life journey of Mohammed Muslem, who now lives and works in Gomel, is full of twists and turns. Of Palestinian descent, he was born in Egypt, then lived and studied in Yemen. His parents and sister now reside in Jordan. Hospitable and welcoming Belarus has become the place of strength, the true home that is a real fortress for him. On 15 April he became one of the 230 foreign citizens and stateless persons who had been granted Belarusian citizenship.

In an interview with a BelTA reporter Mohammed Muslem, a dental surgeon at Gomel Oblast Clinical Polyclinic, spoke about how he began his journey in the land under white wings and what he is grateful to Belarus and the Belarusian people for.

"I came to Belarus in 2017. I had to choose where to undergo residency training in maxillofacial surgery. I was told that Belarus provides good knowledge and has a high level of science. So I decided to come here," the interviewee recalled.

He admits that the most difficult thing at the beginning of his journey was not speaking the language. "It is a completely different language. Complicated. At first it seemed impossible to learn it. I did not know a single letter. But I tried very hard to learn to speak it. The people around me helped. And now I speak normally more or less," Mohammed said while glad that the language barrier has now been overcome.

He is also captivated by the melodiousness of the Belarusian language. "I know very few words myself. But when I listen to the TV, I understand quite well. My wife translates some words for me. For example, I was surprised that 'tykva' [pumpkin] is 'garbuz' [in Belarusian]," the new citizen of Belarus delved into linguistic nuances.

The Belarusian climate has also become familiar to him. "The year I arrived, it was as cold as minus 30 degrees. I saw snow and felt such cold for the first time in my life. But now I know: when it is winter, one has to prepare warm clothes," the man smiles.

After completing his residency, Mohammed decided to stay in Belarus. His family with his wonderful wife Tatiana was taking shape here, and there was no opportunity to return to Yemen: the situation over there was too dangerous.

"I met Tatiana through mutual friends. We got used to each other and found common ground. She helped me a lot, supported me from the very beginning, including with document verification and when I was getting a job. Then we got married, and after some time our daughter Masha was born. She is very active, lively, energetic, and cheerful. On the children's playground she is always the leader. Would you like to see her photo?" the happy father and husband says, scrolling through the gallery on his mobile phone. Most of the pictures show a smiling girl with big brown eyes and charming curls.

The photos also capture moments of family leisure and trips to nature. "I really like Belarusian nature. The forest gives me strength and helps me recover. It has such a calming energy. I haven't learned how to pick mushrooms yet, but I really enjoy breathing the forest air. We also like to visit eco-farms. Our daughter enjoys interacting with animals," Mohammed comments on the photos.

One of the photos shows a delighted little girl with a bouquet of flowers as tall as she is. "That was for Women's Day," the father clarifies. "Yes, I already know all the holidays celebrated in Belarus: Easter, Women's Day. I am Muslim, my wife is Orthodox. And we respect each other's traditions. Culinary ones as well."

Many Belarusian dishes have become Mohammed's favorites. "Draniki, casserole, borscht," he lists. He had a bit of difficulty with kvass, and the taste of cold sorrel soup also took some getting used to. "But now I eat cold sorrel soup just fine. Smoked and salted fish are also fine now," the interviewee laughs. "I taught my wife how to cook our pilaf. There are always falafel preparations in the freezer. We cook that all the time. I mean we combine both Belarusian and Arab dishes on the table."

"On the whole, I feel very close to the traditions that are honored in Belarus. This includes respect for elders and neighbors, the traditional strong family, mutual assistance, and normal communication. Not like in Western Europe," the interviewee emphasized.

"Look at what is happening all over the planet today! Belarus remains an island of peace. This is largely thanks to the president. The people here are very kind. It is completely calm, safe, and comfortable to live here. Anyone who wants to work is welcome to. There are opportunities for building or buying a home. You can achieve anything. You just need to try and work. But most importantly, I will say it again, the sky here is peaceful," Mohammed stressed.

"And having received Belarusian citizenship, I feel proud. I want to continue to be useful to society and to people. I want to thank the Belarusian people, the country, and the leadership for accepting me. They welcomed me warmly at the initial stage, and then at work. And everything involves no problems. Belarus has become my native country, a true home. Here is my family. Here we bought a home - an apartment. We live and make plans for the future. I love our Gomel very much. It has magnificent nature, a unique park, and cozy public gardens. And, I repeat, people with very kind souls," the new citizen of Belarus emphasized.

By the way, both his colleagues and patients call him a person with an open heart and a doctor with golden hands.

"He is very responsible, a true professional, and a good-natured person. You understand: everyone comes to a dental surgeon's office with fear. But people leave Mohammed's office with a smile and thank the doctor for his professionalism, for his personal qualities," noted Yelena Ostapyuk, Chief Physician of Gomel Oblast Clinical Polyclinic. In support of her words the head of the institution read out kind reviews written by patients. "I am grateful for his attentive and professional attitude towards us, elderly people. Thank you for such an attitude in urgent cases," Vera Markovna expressed her gratitude.

"Over a fairly long period I underwent a course of treatment with Mohammed Muslem. Fortunately, I encountered the excellent professional and human qualities of this amazing person. The doctor's tact, delicacy, and attentive attitude deserve immense gratitude, which I am pleased to express. I wish him and his family health, strength, and well-being. Yelena Ivanovna [Ostapyuk], if only you had more specialists like him," wrote Nelly Fyodorovna, a veteran of labor.

BelTA reported earlier that on 15 April Belarusian citizenship was granted to 230 foreign citizens and stateless persons, including 13 minors. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko signed the corresponding decree. People from 19 states have become the new citizens of Belarus. The number includes Russia, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Syria, Latvia, Türkiye, and other countries. Most of them came from Ukraine. The individuals who have been granted Belarusian citizenship have lived in the country for five years or more, speak one of the state languages, and are occupied in various branches of the national economy.

Photos from Mohammed Muslem's personal archive and taken by BelTA