Fictional Obituary

Tarek Youzbashi, 33, wanted to do something remarkable with his life. He tried to shed light on the stories about his communities.
Tarek was a journalist, translator and interpreter. He completed his Bachelors in English Literature and Masters in Translation from Alexandria University in Egypt.
He loves his job as a translator. He finds translation as an ability for him to create an original text despite being born out of another text.
His ability for translation has given him the inspiration to write. He wants to write to leave his past behind.
“I want my texts to live after me, to remind people of me, to tell people that I had a message that I strived to deliver.” Youzbashi said.
His journey started when he had to leave Syria at 24 when war erupted. He once said that he did not flee the regime because he was afraid or was a coward. He left because he did not want to kill.
“I left my country because I did not want to kill my people,” he said. “The regime put us in a place where we were forced to kill or to be killed.”
After fleeing from Syria, he went to Egypt in 2012. Initially, it was difficult for Tarek to adjust to a new country.
“I used to miss my parents, brother, twin sisters, and friends.” Tarek said
He also faced difficulty adjusting to the lifestyle in Egypt, making connections with new people, and many other problems. It was also challenging to find a job in a new country. But he didn’t lose hope.
It was at this point that he started working as a translator. He started as a freelancer. He started working with different translation agencies around the world.
Due to his fluency in Arabic, he used to translate different works from Arabic to English and vice versa. While doing that work to make a mark in this world through his written works, he decided to pursue journalism.
While working as a translator for a few years, he realized that translation had allowed him to become a translator and journalist simultaneously in a way or another.
“It was like wearing a double-faced coat beautifully embroidered on both sides.” he said.
He later on started publishing his writings. He had published several articles for blogging platforms like Huffpost Arabi, Dubarah Blog, ArabicPost, Oxygen, Canvas, and other social media platforms.
During his time at Alexandria University, Tarek achieved a significant milestone as his final thesis on Syrian Refugees and their children. His peers and scholars appreciated the work he had done. This achievement also led him to Canada in 2021.
When he came to Canada, he thought that he could finally achieve what he wanted to once and for all.
Tarek started postgraduate studies in Journalism in 2021 at Humber College. His passion for journalism is his belief in the power of words.
He believed he had a moral obligation towards his people and shed light on their stories.
Tarek said that the Syrian people are not mere members of UN records. They are more than that.
“There are human beings who deserve to live a normal life away from war and death.” he said.
Tarek wanted to do more, but alas! he can’t, not anymore.
He passed away due to food poisoning. He was admitted to Trillium Hospital, Mississauga, on Dec. 3, 2021, but couldn’t make it. He once said everyone has a mission they have to accomplish.
“We did not come to life to waste our time on earth, we came to promote growth and prosperity.” Tarek said.