Syrians lend each other support amid crisis

DAMASCUS－In the midst of despair from the tough economic times in the country, some Syrians have opted to help their communities through self-initiated endeavors.

The country's economy has worsened in recent months, with the Syrian pound hitting a record low against the US dollar since the eruption of the war-triggered crisis nearly nine years ago.

Many Syrians express their dismay through social media, while others, mainly in the southern province of Sweida, have taken to the streets to protest under the banner "We Want to Live".

Several months ago, a smartphone application named Syrians Around the World designated a section for people to donate or seek help online.

For instance, better-off people can post what they want to give to the needy, allowing recipients to make selections and collect the items later.

Others have visited hospitals and grocery stores to help the poor there pay their debts.

For hard-up people in the northwestern province of Latakia, some businessmen reportedly have donated money to help pay their outstanding bills.

In Sweida, communities have created around 50 initiatives on social media platforms to help the poor over the past few days.

Sweida resident Salman Zaher said that some expatriates from the province covered the debts of poor families and gave money for them to buy food.

"It was an important step in such difficult circumstances," the 52-year-old man said, adding that the rich in Sweida also donated fuel for heaters during the winter.

Accountant Rudaina al-Shaar said: "The tough situation reveals the goodness in some people and these personal initiatives indicate that people still care for one another during this war."

Despite these good deeds, some point out that they are not enough in light of the economic hardship caused by Western sanctions.

"These initiatives cannot be a solution for the economic situation in the country. This needs greater efforts from the government and businessmen," said school teacher Osama Saleh.

Xinhua