15 January 2016
Few places have suffered the violence of Syria’s civil war more than the Palestinian camp of Yarmouk, in the capital Damascus. The humanitarian catastrophe caused by conflict, blockade and the incursion of militants into the camp led UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon to declare the camp the “deepest circle of hell” in April last year. Thousands of residents remain inside, with limited access to basic humanitarian needs such as food, water and healthcare. But even for those who have fled Yarmouk, their escape is only the start of a difficult journey.
Three years ago, Hussein* and his family of seven left Yarmouk for Lebanon, planning to stay for two months. As the violence continued to escalate in Yarmouk and across Syria, it became increasingly clear that the family had no choice but to stay put.
Yarmouk had been a haven before, says Hussein, but ravaging war has destroyed most of the camp’s houses and its markets, which used to attract shoppers from all over Syria. “When I left the camp, I never thought it would be the last time I would ever see my home, the place where my children were born and grew up. I was heartbroken when I heard it had been turned to rubble,” he told MAP.
When I left the camp, I never thought it would be the last time I would see my home. I was heartbroken when I heard it had been turned to rubble
At first the family stayed in one of the cramped Palestinian camps in Lebanon, but the harsh conditions there soon proved unbearable, and they decided to relocate to a small place in the camp’s surroundings. Despite the kindness and empathy of their neighbours, Hussein and his family have found life in Lebanon difficult. “Life in Syria was simple and we never experienced extreme poverty or humiliation. People used to love and care for each other and did not care about who was Christian, Sunni, or Shiite - it didn’t matter to us,” he explains. Hussein feels angry when he hears that religion has become a reason or an excuse for killing and discrimination. “Extremist groups are using Islam as an excuse for their barbaric actions. This is not Islam. Islam is a religion that calls for good treatment, love, and forgiveness,” he says.
In Syria, Hussein worked as a decorator. However, just a few months before the family fled, his hand was struck by a stray bullet. The injury was severe, and the nerves of three of his fingers were damaged, making it impossible for him to do the job that he had skilfully practiced for decades. He consequently struggled to find work in Lebanon, and the family ran out of savings a few months after their arrival, becoming completely dependent on UNRWA’s rent assistance and the help of kind-hearted people. Hoping to save the family from its financial struggles, Hussein’s eldest son, Ahmad, tried to illegally emigrate to Europe to find work. However, Ahmad’s plan did not go as desired - he was trapped in Turkey and failed to reach his destination. According to Hussein, Ahmad is now desperate to come back to Lebanon.
In May 2014, Hussein’s 71-year-old mother was diagnosed with Acute Coronary Syndrome – meaning that the arteries supplying blood to her heart had become blocked. Her hospital treatment cost approximately $4,000, far beyond the financial resources of the family. Without assistance, the family say she would have foregone the surgery she urgently needed. Fortunately, with help from a project run by MAP in partnership with UNRWA which helps to cover the cost of treatments such as this for Palestinian refugees from Syria, Hussein’s mother received the surgery and has seen her health improve.
A couple of months ago, Hussein’s family rushed him to hospital after he suddenly fell unconscious. He was also diagnosed with major blockages to two of his coronary arteries, and told he needed similar surgery to his mother. The family were devastated to discover that the surgery would cost more than $7,000. “There was no way we would have been able to pay for the surgery, and we didn’t know anyone who could help us with such a large amount of money,” says Hussein.
They were relieved to hear that UNRWA and MAP’s Tertiary Health Care project would cover the cost of his surgery too. Hussein often wonders whether the repetition of such similar heart conditions is a hereditary issue, or the result of stress brought on by war and displacement.
Today, Hussein and his mother are in good health. Hussein has pledged to take good care of himself and informed us that he had quit smoking – a habit he resorted to after his arrival to Lebanon, in the hope it would help ease his tension and worries. Hussein believes Syria is no longer the same country that he once knew, and is full of foreign forces fighting and destroying that beautiful country. Despite the family’s struggles in Lebanon, he says they have no desire to return any time soon.
*Names have been changed
Featured image: An UNRWA clinic in one of Lebanon's Palestinian refugee camps