My last visit to Syria was in July 2011. I was 10 years old at the time. Throughout the civil war, I shielded myself from the atrocities that were happening there by focusing on school and on myself. Thankfully, my extended family was not affected much during the war, except for my uncle, who unfortunately died in a barrel bomb that was dropped on his home in 2012. His wife (my aunt) and children never recovered from his tragic death.

Materially, everyone was affected. Since my house is in a small village outside of Aleppo, it was essentially a military zone for over 10 years, even after the Battle of Aleppo. Our house was half destroyed in barrel bombings in 2014.

I don’t know what the future holds for Syria after the regime was removed. I’m hoping to visit again once security has stabilized, maybe 2026? For now, the best I can do is donate and hope for the best.