Samira, 60, from Damascus, was recently widowed. In addition to heart problems and other health issues, she is burdened by the economic crisis and the uncertainty that has been escalating since the Islamists took power in December 2024.
In the narrow streets of Damascus, a city scarred by war, lives Samira, a 60-year-old Armenian widow. Since her husband’s death in early 2024, she has faced many challenges. The loss of the family breadwinner, coupled with the economic crisis in Syria, has left her in a precarious situation.
Samira’s youngest son was forced to leave the country to avoid compulsory military service under the previous regime, and now lives in Lebanon.
Since the death of her husband, Samira and her eldest son have been living with Samira’s parents-in-law. They don’t have to pay rent there. However, Samira suffers from heart problems high blood pressure and arthritis and the family lacks the financial means to pay for adequate medical treatment. Her eldest son struggles every day to find stable employment, taking on odd jobs to help his mother with their living costs.
Putting the Gospel into action
Samira is one of 150 recipients of monthly financial assistance from the Armenian Catholic Church, a local partner of Christian Solidarity International (CSI). This assistance is funded by CSI, which works with our partners to put into practice the words of the Gospel: “There was not a needy person among them” (Acts 4:34).
The aid she receives allows Samira to buy the medicines she needs, which are prohibitively expensive in Syria, a country in crisis. She thanks God for this help, because her son’s irregular income barely stretches to buying food.
Samira longs to see her 36-year-old son get married. Unfortunately, local traditions and exorbitant dowry costs make this unattainable in the current context, even if she sold everything she owns.
Samira is the face of thousands of people in Syria who are struggling to obtain the medicines they need, put food on the table, or keep a roof over their heads. She is full of gratitude for the support she receives.
CSI’s partners in Syria are determined to continue their mission under the new Syrian government and to serve their fellow Syrian citizens.
