I grew up in Aleppo, Syria—a city that, believe it or not, was once vibrant and alive. Aleppo, one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities, was often referred to as the “pearl of Syria.” Its historic downtown was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and before the unrest that began in 2011, it was a hub of arts and culture.
Raised by a single mother who worked tirelessly as an anesthesiologist, I experienced a childhood filled with joy and safety. My mother often juggled shifts at multiple hospitals, all to provide for my brother and me. I vividly recall the public park just a short walk from our home, where my mother would take us to play. Collecting fragrant white jasmines to fashion into flower crowns was one of my favorite pastimes. I can still picture lying in the sun with my brother, listening to the gentle murmur of the water fountain—a blissful memory of a carefree childhood.
As a child, I absorbed stories from my grandparents, who had their own tales of refuge and survival. My grandmother fled from Lebanon, and my grandfather escaped from Turkey, both finding solace in Syria. In those stories, Syria was always a sanctuary, a safe haven for those seeking refuge. I grew up believing my country was a warm and welcoming place.
The Reality of Today’s Aleppo
Fast forward to the present, and children in Aleppo today find themselves in a mere fraction—20%—of the city I once knew. They lack any understanding of the rich history and beauty that surrounded Aleppo’s citadel. I spent countless hours there with my grandmother, who would share stories of her past life before the city expanded. Now, that vibrant history is gone; 80% of Aleppo lies in ruins. Today’s children may only glimpse the city through faded photos or fragmented stories, while I grew up surrounded by its life and culture.
The Burden of Adulthood
During my time working with SOS Children’s Villages Syria, I witnessed the heartbreaking plight of displaced families. Many fled their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs, desperately needing food, water, and shelter. Education has become a distant dream for many children, who are now thrust into adult responsibilities, often taking on jobs inappropriate for their age just to survive.
I met children whose lives were shattered in an instant; one moment they were playing outside, and the next they woke up in a hospital, unsure of their parents’ fate. Imagine going from the safety of home to the uncertainty of the streets overnight. These children, barely ten years old, are forced to navigate a harsh world where they must find food and shelter—burdens that no child should bear. They are exposed to dangers like abuse and exploitation, facing a reality far removed from the innocence of childhood.
Reviving Childhood
When I first interacted with the children at the SOS Interim Care Center in Aleppo and Damascus, I often found myself speaking to what felt like adults trapped in childlike bodies. My colleagues and I worked hard to help them reconnect with their youth, reassuring them that they didn’t have to worry about survival. Our goal was to shift their focus back to education, play, and personal development. Yet, it often felt like we were speaking to 40-year-olds instead of 10-year-olds.
Through our efforts, we sought to first address their immediate needs—food, water, shelter, and medical care. But we also recognized the profound psychological trauma they carry. Many of these children have lost loved ones or witnessed horrific violence, and they cannot process these experiences alone. Our team provided counseling and support, helping them rediscover childhood through play, education, and friendship. When children feel safe and their basic needs are met, they can begin to heal and reclaim their innocence.
You can help bring hope to the children in Syria by sponsoring a child today.
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 joyful childhood I experienced. As they grapple with the harsh realities of war and displacement, it is crucial for us to provide them with the support and resources they need to heal and reclaim their childhood.
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