A story of light and hope: Essential aid in Deir Jamil
The situation in Syria continues to evolve rapidly on all levels. This series of posts looks back in time, telling the stories of what people endured during the earthquake, providing layers of context to the current situation, honouring their resilience and strength, and meeting them with empathy.
A razor is, not always, simply a razor. Sometimes it can be an unimagined luxury; a deeply thoughtful gesture; a way to begin to feel a sense of your old self, in the middle of disaster.
In the small village of Deir Jamil, amidst the chaos and despair following the catastrophic earthquake in northwest Syria in February 2023, ActionAid Arab Region (AAAR) and our local partner, Equity and Empowerment (EE), heard many stories of resilience and gratitude as we distributed emergency aid to communities in dire need of support.
In our emergency relief efforts across the Arab Region, our aid is grounded in the unfaltering courage of our local NGOs partners and volunteer networks – people who stand at the forefront of the relief efforts despite facing challenging conditions themselves.
The poignancy of this lies not only in their bravery and generosity, but also in the fact that they have a deep understanding of what people need – people like Abu Muhammad.
Residing in Deir Jamil with other internally displaced communities, Abu Muhammad received one of the essential aid kits distributed by AAAR and EE – a gesture that brought him unexpected joy and comfort.
“It was far from our imagination,” he said. “For someone displaced by disaster, the luxury of imagining such assistance seemed out of reach.”
Abu Muhammad was struck by the thoughtfulness and utility of the kit’s contents. Things that might be taken for granted, like undershirts, not only met a basic need but provided him with a sense of comfort and care. It was an electric razor, though, that struck him the most. It was, in his words, "special, and something that is enabling me to feel better in myself."
It is this keen understanding of those who compile the essential aid kits that makes such an impact on people’s lives: that a seemingly simple item can restore a sense of normalcy and dignity.
The distribution day itself was another aspect of the initiative that left a lasting impression on Abu Muhammad. He described the day as “very comfortable, with the team displaying high morale and a desire to genuinely help, creating a positive and supportive atmosphere for the beneficiaries.” This not only facilitated the smooth delivery of aid but also lifted the spirits of those affected by the disaster.
Crisis response is about practical aid, but it is equally about empathy and respect.
Abu Muhammad’s testimony is a powerful reminder of the difference thoughtful aid can make in the lives of those facing unimaginable hardships. The emergency kits provided by AAAR and EE were not just collections of items; they were carefully curated packages of hope, dignity, and support. Through Abu Muhammad's eyes, we see the impact of these efforts, far beyond the physical aid, touching the hearts and spirits of the recipients.
Our mission, along with our partners, in the earthquake response and beyond, is to provide not only material support but also to convey respect, care, and a message of solidarity to those in need.
Even in the darkest times, humanity and compassion can bring light and hope.
