The author of the islamistablog.pl blog talks about her visit to Aleppo in 2017; you can read the full article by clicking HERE. We are publishing an excerpt.
I met Hana. She was standing in front of the remains of a house, silent like everyone else. But it was enough to wish her a good day, ask whether she lived there and how she was feeling. Hearing the questions, the woman seemed to awaken and suddenly wanted to answer them all at once, as long as she could manage to get everything out. The war took her husband. The war took two sons. The war took her home. Hana was left with only one child. But there was no despair, hatred or fear in her.
And so we stood on the road talking. I do not know how much time passed. Hearing the voices, Hana’s neighbors looked out from behind half-open doors, surprised that someone was once again standing in the street and talking loudly, as if it were six years ago again.
When we said goodbye, I held out my hand to Hana, but Syrian kindness does not understand this stiff gesture. Syrians embrace, squeeze, kiss and bless. Her blessings had no end. Syria is a cemetery, but Hana wished me a safe return home and a peaceful life.
If we want to do something for the residents of Aleppo, let us think and speak of them as real, living people. Financial support will certainly help them, because for many it will be salvation from poverty and cold, but it is worth doing something more than taking out one’s wallet. Let’s not put terrorist masks on everyone. They are already being stripped of truth and dignity at every turn. Let them remain human.