Syria
Maaloula, a little jewel nestled in the Syrian mountains. When you arrive from Damascus, the Catholic mountain rises to the left and the Orthodox mountain to the right. Between the two sacred cliffs, Our-Lady-of-Syria stands on its rocky headland, overlooking the desert.
It’s still early, but Maaloula is already buzzing with life under the morning sun. Clouds of ochre dust rise from the village’s winding lanes: the Maaloulites are rebuilding their homes, which suffered cruelly from the bombardments when the village was liberated in April 2014. Since then, part of the village has been rebuilt, but some roofs still hanging pitifully from the ruined houses all around the old town.
For its inhabitants, the destruction of their homes is a painful memory that has had heavy human and financial consequences. Today, those who have remained in the village are working hard to rehabilitate their houses, and they are forced to rent an apartment or take refuge with their neighbors, so have fallen into debt.
SOS Chrétiens d’Orient works to help the villagers as much as possible in all its projects to bring back the inhabitants and enable them to be self-sufficient. To begin the rehabilitation phase, SOS Chrétiens d’Orient has launched the reconstruction of St. Georges Church and the one of St. Elijah for Greek Orthodox parish.
The funds sent to the reconstruction of Maaloula was interpreted as a sign of solidarity from French Christians. The second stage consisted in revitalizing economic activity by supporting crafts and promoting Syrian culture. We have to give homes and work back to Maaloula’s people to encourage them to stay, or even to return to their land.
Several volunteers have been taking turns since 2015 to rebuild traditional houses. SOS Chrétiens d’Orient has also financed the debess industry, which is an artisanal grape jam. Maaloula also has a long history of winemaking, but the war has damaged this heritage. Our volunteers from the Syrian mission are working to repair the damage, with the aim of replanting to produce and sell wine.
It’s all this financial support that is enabling the martyred village of Maaloula to be reborn step by step.
Thanks to our donors generosity, all these projects have become a reality, we provide a livelihood for several families and bring economic and cultural benefits to the village.
SOS Chrétiens d’Orient is financing a series of micro-projects to rebuild a sustainable socio-economic fabric, giving new hope to the courageous Maaloulites who preferred to stay rather than emigrate. Maaloula is the symbol that allows us to believe in the reconstruction of a peaceful Syria. Thank you.
When I see children with smiles on their faces, it gives me strength and hope. We contemplate life strength in their faces.
Rehabilitation is crucial to bring people back, but we also need to provide them with economic autonomy and human and spiritual support.
