Syrian refugees continue to flee as the condition in the country worsen. To this date over 4 million Syrian refugees have fled to escape from war and instability. About 250,000 of them went to Europe which has causes global concern. Some of the refugees who managed to flee used to be volunteers and professionals of Syrian NGOs resulting in the shortage of manpower of NGO workers in the country.
A member of the Syrian opposition party and humanitarian organization said that they lose skilled employees every month including the head of medical unit. “Pharmacists, engineers, those you need to rely on have fled to Europe. Although we are searching for suitable replacement, but even for doctors you still need to train them again. And this takes time but the Syrian people have run out of time”
The difference in income is also a concern. Employees who come from aboard are often paid higher yet both foreign and local employees share the same risk of assault and abduction. This difference demoralizes the local employees, and the protracted war has made the local citizens give up hope of attaining peace. For the benefit of their next generation, many have lost the will to stay in a war-torn country.
In Syria medics face the greatest risk. Medical facilities are often setup in the most dangerous zones and they often come under the attack from the Syrian government, including air-strikes. According to observation by humanitarian organisations, since last year at least 194 medics were killed by air-strikes and over 104 facilities were attacked with most of the attacks coming from the Government.
A person responsible for a humanitarian medical organization says that hospitals have been regularly targeted by Syrian government airstrikes. “One hospital was constantly bombed and planned to move to another location, but the rebel army objected to the relocation because it was close to the rebel stronghold…. those who are staying are prepared to sacrifice their lives” This was one of the reasons why a large number of doctors have left. [IRIN]
Meditation on Scriptures:
“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” (Jeremiah 29: 11-14)
In those days when Babylonian raided Jerusalem the inhabitants were captured and faced great distress. Through the prophet Jeremiah, our Lord revealed to the captives that the day of returning and re-establishing the kingdom was far away but that day would come and they should continue to look towards God. Our faith should remain unshaken in spite of the very dire present situation. May the faithfulness and justice of God become the foundation of faith and source of hope for the Syrian and ourself.
Prayers:
- We pray that the war in Syria and Iraq will cease soon.
- May the Lord watch over the daily needs and safety of Syrian citizens and grant them peace and hope.
- May the Lord watch over the humanitarian effort in Syria, use it to save the citizens from their present predicament.