The situation in Syria remains extremely complex and constantly evolving.
In recent weeks, the country has witnessed a significant escalation of violence, particularly in the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus, where the Alawite minority resides. These clashes have resulted in over 1,300 deaths, with testimonies of atrocities committed against civilians, including children, due to their religious affiliation.
The Return from Prisons
"When they liberated the country, they opened the prisons." Jean-François Thiry, our project manager in Aleppo, tells us about a phenomenon that almost no one talks about but has profound psychosocial consequences. "From Sednaya prison (30 kilometers north of Damascus), 30,000 people were released, mostly political prisoners, some of whom had been there for 40 years, tortured, in inhumane conditions. Now many have returned; they are former soldiers who fought in the war for ten years and know nothing else. Their psychological state is devastated. Two weeks ago, we opened a center for psychological rehabilitation. Among them, some would rather return to prison because they cannot readjust. There is an enormous need to be met and addressed."
"The women we support did not know where their husbands were," explains Jean-François. "We are trying to provide education both to children who do not go to school but work instead, and to their mothers, offering professional training that allows them to earn a living, because I believe that lack of education leads to violence."
What is happening in Aleppo?
"Unfortunately, the Terra Santa College was hit by an airstrike — a missile destroyed one section of the monastery, specifically the storage facility. Thankfully, the friars are unharmed, and the emergency bread production process continues. It is vital to sustain this effort, especially after road blockages have made transporting flour in and out of Aleppo extremely difficult. We are currently facing electricity outages, a lack of water, and growing rumors on social media about a possible communications blackout. Thank you for your support!"
What is needed?
We need support for:
- Bread production and distribution in Aleppo for families remaining in both the western and eastern parts of the city.
- Food and medical aid for families still in Aleppo. Rising prices are feared due to road blockages.
- Support for displaced families from Aleppo and Hama arriving in Latakia and Damascus, including assistance in arranging accommodation in convents, shelters, or rented homes.
- Essential supplies for displaced families, including food and blankets for the coming month, and medical aid for the most vulnerable cases.
