After the earthquake, hundreds of thousands of people in Syria moved to live in shelters because their homes were partially or totally destroyed by the tremors. Often these are improvised centers, with precarious hygiene and safety conditions. Knowing this situation, many wanted to contribute to guarantee these people access to hygiene services or a hot meal.
The Semi di Speranza/Opera di Maria office (Focolare Movement) has launched the RISE – Response in Syria Emergency program , in collaboration with AMU and AFN Onlus, to provide both concrete and psychological support especially in the most affected cities such as Aleppo, Lattakia and Hama. This was made possible thanks to the extraordinary fundraising started immediately after February 6, the date of the first major earthquake.
These are some of the actions supported in recent weeks, with the fundamental collaboration of the Syrian population itself.
A HOT SHOWER
In March, 390 people – men, women and children – each received a personal hygiene kit with shampoo, soap, towels, linens and were accompanied by a bus to a bath house to take a shower . But this was just one of the many moments of support and sharing.
SUPPORT FOR THE ELDERLY
The earthquake in Syria occurred in an already tragic context: twelve years of war and the related economic sanctions have caused extreme poverty. Thousands of people have emigrated, leaving behind elderly parents, alone and without assistance . This latest emergency has only worsened their condition. Support, a gesture of solidarity, was urgent and necessary. Hot meals were served daily to 35 people.
HOT MEALS FOR ALEPPO DISPLACED PEOPLE
Hot meals were also distributed – thanks to the RISE programme – in a reception centre in the Zebedeya region, where those who lost their homes in Aleppo are hosted.
Here there is a real network of generosity made up of volunteers, parishes and associations that take care of the needs of the displaced. It is this network that takes care of the distribution of meals provided by the RISE program.
The reception center is a school. A large three-story building, with a courtyard around it. Each classroom hosts two families. The desks are stacked in the corners, the mattresses are on the floor. A woman says: ” Thank you for the food you brought . I’m about to give birth, a few days left, and I have nothing. We lost everything in the earthquake. Now this baby is coming and I have nothing, I have nothing.”
