This is about the suffering Syrian orphans and one very special little girl named Amira. But she is just one of the hundreds of Syrian children now orphaned resulting from the nine-year disruption in that country. I am writing it, because we hear so little of this conflict and the ravages in that country. Why? Because our news is clogged with just the antics of one Donald Trump. And so I want to bring to attention the sad plight of these children.
I have learned of Amira through an online friend, who purports to be an UN doctor working there on contract. And I have used the word purport here, because I have never met the man in person. I have read of scams of people pretending to be what they are not, but I have no reason to doubt this man. He has never asked me for money. And I enjoy my enlightening conversations with him.
Through this doctor I have heard many stories of the long hours he works to help the sick and wounded. And it was one of those stories that has brought Amira to us. Not too long ago, a very sick young man was brought to the hospital. Upon examination, it appeared that he had been poisoned. Whether accidentally or deliberately is unknown. But sadly, the doctors were unable to save his life.
Amira’s Story
That man was the father of our little Amira and he was her only remaining parent. Her mother had been killed a while ago after being kidnapped and tortured by the terrorists who invade that country.
Something about young Amira, whose name means Princess, caught the heart of my doctor friend. And they have become friends. He talks of bringing her home with him when his contract is over. She is currently living with her grandparents. He has met and talked with the grandparents and they have given their approval.
There is something very special with our young Amira. The doctor says she is bright and quite inquisitive. She has taken to visiting him. The first time with a soldier escort. It is quite dangerous. He is teaching her English and telling her stories of his other daughter and me (LOL) among other things.
All was going well until last week, when she ran to get the doctor, because her grandfather had collapsed. Yet another trauma for our young girl. But thankfully the grandfather has recovered and returned home.
Syrian Orphans
While we now know of Amira’s situation, there are hundreds of other children facing similar plights. Amira is fortunate to have found this loving doctor, but what of the others?
No one knows how many Syrian orphans there are. Conservative estimates start at 100,000.
The Syrian civil war is an ongoing conflict that began in 2011. It is an uprising against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. There are now domestic and foreign allies, and various domestic and foreign forces opposing both the Syrian government and each other in varying combinations.
The military offensive has forced an estimated 154,000 people to flee their homes in northeast Syria. If airstrikes and ground attacks continue, a further 200,000 could be displaced.
How you can help Syrian Orphans
CBS 60 Minutes did a program on this. A heart-wrenching story. I wish I had seen it. They say the United Nations calls this one of the most dangerous places on earth for children. But in the story there is this one hopeful statement.
“I think God gave children something we adults don’t have… forgiveness.”
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is just one of several organizations there to provide help and support for these refugees and displaced people facing humanitarian emergencies. Below is another.
Another way to help
I am in not associated with any of these help organizations.