I was born and raised in the once-vibrant city of Aleppo, Syria, a place that many would call the “jewel of Syria.” Known as one of the oldest cities continuously inhabited in the world, Aleppo was home to a bustling arts and cultural scene before the revolution erupted in 2011. Its downtown area was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a testament to its historical significance.
Raised by a single mother, an anesthesiologist, I spent my childhood in a city that was alive with joy and safety. My mother worked tirelessly across multiple hospitals to support my brother and me. I fondly remember our trips to the public park just a five-minute walk from our home. There, I would collect white jasmine flowers to weave into crowns, and I can still picture myself lying in the sun with my brother, listening to the soothing sound of the water fountain. These moments are cherished memories of a peaceful, carefree childhood.
Growing up, I absorbed stories from my grandparents about their experiences as refugees—my grandmother fled from Lebanon, while my grandfather escaped from Turkey. Despite their hardships, they painted Syria as a sanctuary, a place where many found refuge and safety. As a child, I believed my country was a haven, a hospitable land where safety was a given.
The Children of Present-Day Aleppo
Today, children in Aleppo inhabit merely 20% of the city I once knew. They are unaware of the vibrant life that once surrounded the citadel, a place where I spent countless hours with my grandmother, exploring the old city’s charm. Now, 80% of Aleppo lies in ruins, and these children can only glimpse the city’s past through faded photographs or the tales told by their families. It is a tragic reversal; while I grew up in a lively city, the children of today find themselves in a devastated landscape, hearing about a world that no longer exists.
The Burden of Adulthood
During my time working with humanitarian organizations like SOS Children’s Villages, I witnessed the devastating impact of war on families and children. Displaced individuals often fled their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs, requiring assistance with shelter, food, and hygiene. Many children no longer attend school, instead forced into labor to help support their families in an environment that demands adult responsibilities.
I met children who played outside only to be thrust into trauma when a bomb fell nearby, waking up in a hospital with no knowledge of their parents’ fate. Imagine the horror of waking up to find yourself alone on the street after a night of innocence shattered by violence. At just ten years old, these children must now fend for themselves, seeking food and shelter normally provided by parents. Their exposure to the dangers of street life increases their vulnerability to abuse, exploitation, and trauma.
Rediscovering Childhood
In the SOS Interim Care Centers located in Aleppo and Damascus, I often encountered children who seemed decades older than their age. My colleagues and I worked tirelessly to help them reclaim their childhood. We reminded them that their focus should be on learning, playing, and developing, rather than worrying about survival. It often felt as though I was speaking to a 40-year-old instead of a child.
To facilitate healing, we prioritized meeting their urgent needs—food, water, shelter, and medical care. Yet, we could not overlook the psychological scars left by their experiences, including witnessing violence or losing loved ones. Counseling and support were essential to help these children navigate their trauma and begin to rediscover joy through play, education, and friendship. When children feel safe and have their basic needs met, they can begin to heal and reclaim their lost childhood.
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This article was originally published on March 15, 2018.
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In summary, the plight of Syrian children today starkly contrasts with the cherished memories of a joyful childhood that I experienced. The ongoing conflict has forced them into a harsh reality, robbing them of their innocence and childhood joys. It is crucial that we support these children in reclaiming their youth and provide them with the chance to heal.