This Syrian Couple’s Reunion Will Make You Believe In True Love
Love knows no borders.
posted on Sept. 13, 2016, at 11:15 p.m. “Nothing tastes better than seeing you another time, and to be with you forever and ever. I’ve finally done it!”

Nader and Omar on a rooftop in central Istanbul. Bradley Secker
Both men were caught between happiness and melancholy, knowing that making their relationship work long-distance would be hard; there was no news on Omar’s resettlement application.
Since same-sex partnership or marriage isn’t legal in their homeland or in Turkey, despite being engaged the couple couldn’t have their files with the UNHCR joined. If they were a heterosexual Syrian couple, the situation would have been a lot easier, and they would have both been saved a lot of mental torment.
During Omar’s birthday party in Istanbul, Nader places a ring on Omar’s finger after accepting Nader’s marriage proposal.

Bradley Secker
And amid roaring applause, the couple embrace as sign of their love and commitment to each other.

Bradley Secker
On the eve of Nader’s departure to Norway, the couple speak to Omar’s mother before Nader packs his luggage.

Bradley Secker
While packing, it’s difficult for Nader not to think of what he’ll be leaving behind: his job, his friends, and his fiancé.

Bradley Secker
Still, the couple do their best to stay in the moment, and share a last kiss.

Bradley Secker
Six months pass after Nader’s arrival to Bergen, Norway, and the couple have remained in contact, despite the uncertainty of ever seeing each other again.

Nader texts with Omar from the top of Mt. Fløyen, overlooking Norway’s second-largest city, Bergen. Bradley Secker
Then the news arrives: Omar has finally been granted political asylum in Norway, and will be resettled to join his partner.

Bradley Secker
Without hesitation, Nader jumps into action and frenziedly prepares for his partner’s arrival.

Bradley Secker
At the airport, Nader waits anxiously for Omar’s plane to arrive from Istanbul.

Bradley Secker
Carrying a single rose for Omar, it’s difficult for Nader to contain his excitement.

Bradley Secker
Then, the moment finally arrives…

Bradley Secker

Bradley Secker

Bradley Secker
…and after months of separation, Omar and Nader are reunited in Bergen.

Bradley Secker
On the verge of tears, Omar is led into his new apartment and greeted with a surprise.

Bradley Secker

Bradley Secker
Nader has filled the room with candles in the shape of a heart — and in the middle, they’ve been arranged to make the letters “N” and “O,” for their first initials.

Bradley Secker

Bradley Secker

Bradley Secker
Making a new city one’s home takes time. Nader and Omar are both studying Norwegian and have plenty of opportunities ahead of them. Leaving behind the stepping-stone that was Istanbul, a place where Nader initiated a weekly meeting for Arabic-speaking LGBT refugees called “Tea & Talk,” and a thriving city where the couple lived through a thousand different emotions, the two have found a rare happy ending.
On his first morning in Bergen, Omar said, “Look, I didn’t have to come by boat and walk through Europe — I came by plane! When it took off I said, ‘Thank god!’”
Soon reality began to hit the pair, and they found themselves happily holding each other on their sofa, smiling.

Bradley Secker
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