Aspects of the Reconstruction of Syria and the Return of the “People of the Camps”

1. Aspects of the Reconstruction of Syria and the Return of the “People of the Camps” “When you return to your home, think about others. Do not forget the people in the camps.” These words by the Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish are the perfect prologue to our discourse about the Syrian refugees, and their return to the homeland. A homeland that is like a sorrowful mother trying to regather her dispersed children, and heal her wounds that bleed painful memories. The Syrians need to forget the “The People of the Camps”, scattered like wounds all over the world, and afflicting the Syrians in all aspects of life. We must not allow building a “Wall” that separates a household and puts a distinction between those who were forced by the war to seek refuge and suffer in foreign lands, and those who tasted the bitterness of its affliction in their homes. Life requires a strong will to survive. We need to incorporate the energy of the Syrian youth everywhere to build the future of the country, diminishing discrimination and overcoming religious, sectarian, political or partisan divisions, and avoiding to classify people into “With” and “Against”. Almost all Syrian entrepreneurs and businessmen stress the importance of this concept, as the best way to restore the years that were consumed by the destructive war, and reconcile all sides at the round table of the economy. Syrian entrepreneur and chairman of Damsco Group in Dubai, Mohannad Al Masre, emphasized the importance of gathering all parties around a common point to reconstruct Syria, and support the return of the refugees so that they play their part in the renaissance of the country. Yes, the economy comes first. You can’t start a project, or achieve advancement, without having the right economic base, to pave the way for a comprehensive renaissance project. During his meeting with the “Qasioun Eagles”, the national team of Syria, on the occasion of the honoring ceremony of the team for participating in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, which took place in the Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic in Dubai, Mr. Mohannad Al Masre, pointed out the importance of gathering all Syrians and overcoming all divisions, to imply all efforts in the service of greater good and the success of future projects. Many may question the feasibility of the calls made by international and humanitarian organizations regarding the future of the refugees, and their safe return to their country, and providing favorable conditions for them to contribute to its economic development.

2. However, these calls gained positive feedbacks echoed from some Syrian entrepreneurs, like Mr. Mohannad Al Masre, who visited the refugee camps in Hatay, Southern Turkey, in an initiative to provide essential aids to thousands of refugees, including food, clothing and heating appliances desperately needed in Turkey’s climate. This was achieved in cooperation with the Turkish Government and the Turkish Red Crescent Society. At the same time, the Chairman of Damsco Group played an influential role in the Center of the Martyrs’ Sons in Syria in cooperation with the Department of Martyrs’ Affairs in Damascus, believing that it is impossible to find a conciliatory language between the Syrians without serious and sincere intentions. To sum up, the Syrians must create an atmosphere of reconciliation and harmony, and realize that the revival of their country will not be possible if they neglect the “People of the Camps”. Written By: Mohannad Al Masre Website: http://mohannad-almasre.com/