What are our aprons doing in Syria?
A few days before Christmas, in front of the shuttle bus leaving for Malpensa airport, I met Mood, loaded with suitcases, one of which was empty. Just enough time to fill it there on the sidewalk with the aprons I had brought, a hug, and Mood left to return to his family in Syria for the holidays.
Those aprons, in various colors and styles, are a gift from Mood, partly a donation from us, with Sara (@sararicami) also contributing by donating the logo equipment, and the gift is intended for the Saed Society association.
We asked Mood to tell us a little about this association.
- Can you tell us how this project started?
It was the idea of an acquaintance of mine, Isam Habbal. It was 2013, and Syrian society had already been experiencing enormous difficulties for more than a year. The goal was to bring together various ideas and professional experiences in order to alleviate some of the suffering of the population. Little by little, those who could afford it began to make donations, and we started collecting and distributing food parcels, clothing, and medicines to the most vulnerable.
- What does the association do today?
One of the main activities of the Saed Society is the preparation and distribution of meals to the people of Damascus, Aleppo, and other Syrian cities. This activity is particularly important during Ramadan, the month when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, because sharing the evening meal is a very significant moment of unity and joy, and the goal is for everyone to have a meal around which to gather in the evening. In addition, cooking for people dur
ring Ramadan allows them to save money during this month so that they can afford to buy clothes or sweets for their children to celebrate Eid (the end of Ramadan).
Another activity that the association cares deeply about is collecting school supplies for children and, in general, collecting used clothing, blankets, and packaged food to donate to those in need.
We can say that Saed Society intervenes in a wide variety of emergency situations. For example, during the Covid-19 pandemic, it took charge of distributing masks, oxygen cylinders, and other medical devices. A few months ago, it responded to the earthquake that destroyed northern Syria by sending basic necessities (clothing, food,
medicine) and volunteers.
- How are Saed Society's projects funded?
The association exists and continues to operate solely thanks to donations from local private citizens. In addition to this, Saed Society's great strength is its vast network of volunteers, without whom nothing would be possible. If there is one positive thing about the situation in Syria, it is the solidarity and willingness of people to work together to help each other.
- What is the situation in Syria today?
The situation is still difficult. Although security has improved somewhat, because in most of the country
There is no more fighting, but there is a lot of poverty. The Syrian lira has devalued significantly in recent years
, while prices have remained high. There is a shortage of electricity in homes and fuel
, and many families with a normal salary can only afford to buy groceries for a week. It should also be noted that there is no competition in the market due to the economic sanctions
imposed since the beginning of the war.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to send clothes or donations from Italy (and most other countries) to Syria, because the country is still under international sanctions. For this reason, Mood tells us, every time a Syrian decides to return to Syria for a short period, anyone who has someone there entrusts them with all sorts of things to deliver to their loved ones. And so we did the same,
aware that what we can do is only a drop in the ocean, but eager to show
our closeness and friendship to the Saed Society association and to all the people it
manages to help.
