My first impressions in Syria

Together with Samir and our new partner organization I.C.P.C., I was in Damascus this week – visiting ministries, hospitals, and walking the streets of this war-torn but beautiful city.

Our goal? To lay the foundation for our future work in Syria.

I rushed from meeting to meeting, talking to authorities, politicians, people on the street, but also doctors and surgeons. All this to get a sense for myself – honest, direct, and unadulterated. My first impression: Syria is changing rapidly these days. Despite everything this country has been through, everywhere I go I meet people who are full of drive and energy.

There is a spirit of optimism in the air.

What is striking is the number of young, motivated, well-educated women.

They want to help rebuild their country. And they want to do it now.

A storm of joy in the night

On the evening of May 13, I was in the middle of the streets of Damascus when the news came:

The US is planning to lift sanctions against Syria.

Suddenly, the streets were full of people.

Caravans of cars, fireworks, music, hugs, laughter, tears.

I only have a few blurry cell phone recordings – but they say more than a thousand words.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-Q6-BdHTrU

Video by Vanja: The spirit of optimism is real. And it's contagious.

«It would be very helpful to have a doctor from Switzerland by my side.»

Image: Dr. Amjad Mezeall, surgeon

We were greeted by Dr. Amjad Mezeall as soon as we arrived at the border. The surgeon from Damascus has been by our side every step of the way since then, helping us with everything we needed – and has become a good friend in just a few days.

Dr. Mezeall knows the conditions in the city's hospitals very well. He showed us a hospital and gave us a vivid impression of the precarious circumstances in which doctors work here. He told us what drives him – but also about organizations that come, take a look around, and then never show up again. Nevertheless, he took time for us. Because he hopes that we will do more than just watch.

When asked what is needed most, Dr. Amjad says with a smile:

«Everything, really – but anesthesia would be very important for the operations.»

He also confided in me that he would be delighted to have doctors or nursing staff from Switzerland at his side. Over the next few months, we will be publishing a call for volunteers across all our channels. But: If you have medical expertise, you are welcome to contact us now.

Do you know anyone with a medical background? Then share this post or spread the word.

You can find out more about my trip to Damascus in our newsletter. More about my meeting with the Director of Health in Damascus. More about how I gathered strength in the beautiful old town with its countless churches and mosques. More about the hospitality with which I was welcomed here. But also about the great challenges the country is facing. And, of course, more about how we want to make a difference in Syria with Borderfree.

Exhausted but full of energy, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your attention and support.

See you soon!

Vanja

This blog post is an excerpt from our newsletter dated May 14. Sign up now here to stay up to date. Every two weeks, you will receive exclusive insights into our work in crisis regions – currently directly from Syria, where our managing director Vanja Crnojević is laying the foundation for future aid.