Syrians are hungry, a reportage from Damascus

Even just looking out the car window, traveling on the road from Beirut to Damascus, it is clear how much the situation in this part of the Middle East has changed and how rapidly. In the same direction, cars loaded with people, chairs, refrigerators, fans, mattresses, and bundles are proceding. On board are families of Syrians who, perhaps after 13 years, are returning home, easily crossing the border from Lebanon without having to stop for checks. Something unimaginable just a few weeks ago.

Beyond the border, the changes in Syria are striking. The omnipresent images of the leaders who have held power for over five decades have been removed. It feels like entering another country.

Storefronts now display the new flag alongside signs indicating the possibility of making payments in US dollars, euros, or Turkish lira. Gasoline is now available, but the cost of public transportation has already doubled.

We visit one of the five dispensaries supported by AVSI in various cities in Syria. The dispensaries are medical centres that provide primary healthcare to needy patients. Just in the last two weeks, they have provided about two thousand free treatments, more than 115,000 since January 2023.

A representative from one of the dispensaries tells us about these days: "If I could speak with the European embassies and European citizens - he confides - I would tell them to come here immediately, before things happen. Important changes are taking place. Help us in this new phase."

Indeed, Syria is among the 10 countries with the highest number of people in severe food insecurity; 90% of the population lives below the poverty line, and essential services are lacking or nonexistent.

Within the dispensaries, dedicated volunteers organize and distribute three meals a week, feeding about 200 people at a time.