“Three little girls Asma (10), Yusra (6), and Mena (4) are laid to rest in these graves. The young sisters died in the Mediterranean on 8 April 2024. Their deaths are a tragedy you probably didn’t hear about?

Their mama was one of 19 people rescued who survived the boat sinking. But how do you survive losing three of your children?

When we had a little extra time after the distribution, Ruhi suggested we go there. She promised the girls’ mama – and other mamas whose babies are here, and friends with friends laid to rest here – to visit when she can, pray for those gone, and tidy up the graves a little. Mama was moved to mainland Greece by the authorities and had to leave her children behind on Chios.

Greek graveyards are quite elaborate, bright white, and well-kept. The “refugee graveyard” is at the end. I counted only 20 or so graves (where is everyone else who died?) and too many were unmarked. Asma, Yosru, and Mena have gravestones because they were crowd-funded by a local person who cares.

Their graves face the Mediterranean towards Turkey. A reminder of the last journey they made. It should have been towards safety and a long, bright future in Europe 💔.”