“Aaliyah F., born in 2008, is a remarkable student, full of determination in the face of relentless challenges. Her family was hit hard by the consequences of the civil war. Together with her parents and two siblings, she endured displacement several times. Despite the frightening turmoil, poverty, and even hunger, Aaliyah did not allow any obstacles to dictate her path.”

With these words, Dr. Nabil Antaki, co-founder of the Blue Marist Brothers from Aleppo, Syria, addressed the German section of the ISHR on May 4. The Blue Marist Brothers are a group of Catholic religious brothers and their associated lay people who, after the outbreak of the civil war, began supporting displaced families regardless of their religious affiliation. In this way, they ensured the survival of thousands of people.

Aaliyah F., whose parents are illiterate, has already demonstrated her motivation in an educational program: The Blue Marist Brothers had arranged special classes for those who missed several years of school due to the civil war. She also experienced how a severe earthquake interrupted her schooling.” At the same time, she had to care for her father, who was suffering from cancer: “Every day after school, she accompanied him to his treatments and showed a compassion unusual for her age,” Dr. Antaki continued. Aaliyah’s mother is the only one who can provide income for the family. The money is barely enough for the bare necessities.

Long-term collaboration

Dr. Nabil Antaki spoke at the annual meeting of the German section of the ISHR this March. “Finally,” we would like to add, as we look back on many years of cooperation with the Blue Marist Brothers. This cooperation began almost at the beginning of the civil war, which was triggered on March 15, 2011, by the violent suppression of protests against the regime of dictator Bashar al-Assad. Since then, the German section of the ISHR has been supporting them in providing hundreds of babies up to the age of one with powdered milk, which in Syria costs the average monthly minimum wage. The ISHR also helps provide a hot meal every day to an equally large number of elderly, sick, and bedridden people who have no relatives. “I would like to express my great gratitude to you,” said Antaki during his visit to Bonn, Germany, when the German section of the ISHR was meeting there.

The overthrow of former dictator Assad on December 8, 2024, and the seizure of power by rebel groups led by HTS (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham) have not yet brought security to Syria. The Islamisation of state institutions, arbitrary arrests, and even executions and massacres by armed groups have continued since then. For example, the leader of the Syrian Druze, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, called for help after the mass murder of members of his religious community in early May, saying, “This massacre is intended to spread fear.” Not only Druze, but also members of other religious minorities are shocked and discouraged by this, especially since the perpetrators are considered close to the regime.

In this situation, ISHR recognises its mission as providing hope and contributing to empowering members of religious minorities to participate in the future of Syrian society. Therefore, it seeks to expand its cooperation with the Blue Marist Order and promote the education of young people like Aaliya in Syria.

The Blue Marist Brothers provide financial support to students, enabling them to receive tuition. Some schoolchildren also receive subsidies for everyday transportation costs and expenses for books and other learning materials; some students are also assisted in their graduation through the educational project. The Blue Marist Brothers meet with these young people weekly to monitor their progress and, if necessary, assist them through specific challenges.

For many families in need, the cost of education seems like an unaffordable luxury, but even a contribution of 100 euros a year can give a young person a future. The Blue Marist Brotherhood has more than 100 names of children and young people on its list. The ISHR wants to help as much as its means allow. We rely on the financial support of our global network.