I was born in Aleppo, Syria, a city that, astonishingly, was once a thriving hub of culture and history. Aleppo, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, was often referred to as the “gem of Syria.” Its downtown area was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and prior to the 2011 revolution, it boasted a vibrant arts scene.
Raised by a single mother who worked as an anesthesiologist, I spent my childhood in a bustling Aleppo. My mother juggled between two or even three hospitals to provide for my brother and me. Back then, childhood in Syria was joyous and secure.
I vividly recall the public park just a five-minute stroll from our home, where my mother would take us to play. One of my fondest memories is collecting white jasmines to fashion into flower crowns. I can still feel the warmth of the sun on my skin as I lay with my brother, listening to the gentle sound of the water fountain. This memory embodies the tranquility and innocence of my early years.
Growing up, I listened to my grandparents recount their experiences of war. My grandmother was a refugee from Lebanon, while my grandfather fled from Turkey. In their stories, Syria was a sanctuary—a place where people could find safety and refuge. As a child, I believed my country was a safe haven, a welcoming space for all.
The Reality of Today’s Aleppo
Today, children living in Aleppo inhabit a mere 20% of the city I once knew. They are unaware of the vibrant city that once surrounded the citadel. I spent countless hours with my grandmother in the old city, where she would show me her childhood home, and I remember her hands as they guided me in trying on intricate silver necklaces crafted by artisans of the old city. Now, that world lies in ruins; 80% of Aleppo has been devastated. The current generation knows the city only through faded photographs or fragmented stories shared by their families. Their reality stands in stark contrast to mine—where war was merely a tale, they face the ruins of a once-thriving city.
A Childhood Stolen Too Soon
While working with SOS Children’s Villages in Syria, I witnessed the harrowing plight of families displaced by conflict. Many fled their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs, lacking basic necessities like food, water, and shelter. Their children no longer attended school; instead, they were thrust into adult responsibilities, forced to find ways to survive.
I met children who had been playing outside when bombs fell, only to awaken in a hospital, unsure of their parents’ fate. Imagine waking up in the street after a night of play, now stripped of your childhood! Suddenly, a 10-year-old is burdened with finding food and shelter, activities that should never be their concern. This harsh reality exposes them to dangers such as exploitation and violence.
The Burden of Too Much Responsibility
When I first engaged with children at the SOS Interim Care Center in Aleppo and Damascus, I was struck by the absence of childhood in their demeanor. It felt as though they were carrying the weight of the world on their young shoulders. My colleagues and I worked tirelessly to help them reconnect with their youth, guiding them to focus on their studies, play, and personal growth. Speaking with these children felt like conversing with individuals much older than their years; they were burdened with worries that no child should have.
Reclaiming Innocence
Through our work with SOS, we recognized the immediate needs of these children—food, water, shelter, and medical care must be prioritized. Yet, we cannot overlook the psychological scars they bear—losing a parent in war or witnessing unspeakable acts of violence. Children cannot process such trauma alone; they require support and guidance to understand that hope exists and that life can improve. In our Child-Friendly Spaces, expert trauma counselors help children rediscover their childhood through play, education, and friendship. When children feel safe and have their basic needs met, they have the opportunity to heal and reclaim their lost innocence.
To support children in Syria, consider sponsoring a child today. You can learn more about this crucial initiative and how you can help.
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Summary
This article reflects on the stark contrast between childhood experiences in Aleppo before and after the war. It highlights the resilience of children who have been forced into adulthood due to conflict and emphasizes the importance of providing not only basic needs but also psychological support for their healing and development.