My Glimpse of Suffering in Syria
Leila is one of the children we met. Her home was destroyed by shelling — forcing her family to move into one of the over-crowded basement shelters in Douma, the biggest city in Eastern Ghouta.
My heart aches for these children who wish for basic things — things many of us take for granted, like the taste of our favorite foods. A young boy told us that he misses the taste of burgers. Another young one said that they just want to be able to feel full after eating.
Young children in Eastern Ghouta told WFP staff they haven’t seen sunlight in more than a month.
This work to bring hope to the children and families of Syria has been the most fulfilling work of my career. I couldn’t be prouder of my staff who put their own safety at risk for the welfare of others. No single mortar outside my window can change the simple fact that we will do whatever it takes to let the Syrian people know they are not alone.
I dream of our next convoy, our next breakthrough to see these same children enjoying a meal alongside their relieved mother or father thanks to your support. Without you, these moments, these lifesaving food deliveries, wouldn’t be possible. We can’t let up now when the people of Eastern Ghouta and the 4 million civilians in the rest of Syria supported by WFP every month need us the most.
Thank you for supporting WFP.
*Jakob Kern is WFP’s country director in Syria.
