DAMASCUS, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Wearing orange safety vests, more than a thousand Syrian municipal workers from sanitation, electricity, water, and maintenance sectors sat shoulder-to-shoulder for a communal iftar under the soft glow of Ramadan lanterns, as young volunteers passed between rows of red-cushioned chairs, distributing foam dinner boxes and bottled water.

The event in Damascus on Wednesday evening was part of a humanitarian initiative aimed at including some of the city's most affected residents in the spiritual atmosphere of the Muslim holy month.

The boxed meals, complete with rice, meat, and dates, found their way to the tables amid smiles and thanks.

Organized by a local charity, HAND, the gathering paid tribute to the efforts of Damascus's civil workers, those who often labor behind the scenes to keep essential services running, especially during the nation's transitional period.

"This evening, we are hosting 1,700 heroes from Damascus province," said Saad Eddin Al-Mowaqet, director of HAND, as volunteers in neon-green vests bustled behind him. "These heroes come from various departments -- cleaning crews, electricity, water, maintenance, and more. We're thrilled to welcome them to our tables during Ramadan."

Long rows of folding tables stretched across a lawn, each topped with neat stacks of takeaway containers. Amid the steady flow of conversation, many workers snapped photos of one another to capture the festive spirit. Some exchanged lighthearted jokes, while others closed their eyes in brief prayer before sipping water at sunset.

Hussein Ammar, a volunteer for HAND, described the event as a gesture of gratitude for those who keep the city running.

"The goal of this iftar is to appreciate the efforts of the workers who build our homeland," he said. "We wanted to gather them all at one table to celebrate their tremendous efforts and, God willing, create beautiful memories through this campaign."

As evening deepened, participants voiced hope that this show of solidarity would extend well beyond Ramadan, reminding Syrians of the importance of unity in navigating the country's transitional challenges.

Years of conflict and Western sanctions have devastated Syria's economy, pushing the majority of the population into alarming poverty. Families across the country struggle to put food on the table, with many relying on humanitarian aid or rationing meals to survive. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)