Salman Jamal Said survived a horrific suicide bombing in 2015 that left two of his colleagues dead and him with life-changing injuries. The attack was orchestrated by al-Shabab, an Islamist militant group in Somalia.
After undergoing multiple surgeries in Istanbul, Mr. Said returned to Somalia in 2022 but faced further threats from al-Shabab. He made the difficult decision to flee to Ireland, joining thousands of Somalis seeking asylum in the country.
Upon arrival in Dublin, Mr. Said navigated the asylum process and eventually received a work permit, opening up opportunities for him to rebuild his life. He now hopes to find work as a security guard and become financially independent.
Despite the trauma of the past, Mr. Said remains resilient and determined to create a new future for himself in Ireland. The strong sense of community among the Somali population in Dublin has provided him with support and a sense of belonging.
While he still struggles with flashbacks from the attack, Mr. Said remains optimistic about his future in Ireland, hoping to leave the horrors of the past behind and build a new life in his adopted home.