It is very difficult to imagine leaving our friends, family members, homes, and possessions behind to escape bombing raids. Unfortunately, this is something millions of Syrians have had to do.
Her story is like so many other Syrian refugees that we were forced to flee into uncertainty.
“Shells rained down on our village, our house was destroyed, and my husband died of his wounds after he was hit by shrapnel from one of the barrel bombs that fell near our house.”
“I ran away under the cover of the night, carrying my young children. We walked for several kilometers until a passing car picked us up and drove us to the northern Syrian camps. It is difficult to describe to you what we suffer in this camp, life is very miserable, and the responsibilities are great on my shoulders.
“Before the war, we used to cultivate the lands we own, harvest our crops, sell them, and buy all our needs, but now the situation has changed a lot, especially since I live alone with my children without a father who takes care of them.
“At the start of the winter season, I collect sticks of firewood from the neighboring lands, but unfortunately, they are barely enough for us for a few days, and I do not have enough money to buy firewood from the market.
“The weather is very cold here, especially as we live in a canvas tent that does not protect us from the cold at all. Our lives depend on what charitable people give us and the humanitarian organisations working here in northern Syria.
“Recently, we spent most of our time in our neighbours tents, warming it up for them because I didn’t have heating materials, but at nightfall we had to return to our tent and cover with blankets to feel a little warm.
“After Islamic Relief provided us with enough coal so we can stay inside our tent, without the need to go to our neighbors tents or collect firewood. With this warmth, we are reminded of our beautiful life before the war. I ask Allah to return us to our villages and homes so we can live in peace with our relatives and neighbours who have been separated from us by this war.
Your donations helped Umm Abdo’s family stay warm in winter.
