Keeping a Warm Heart in Winter

Noor El-Salam Academy is keeping the embers of education burning during this winter season.  The children are being nurtured and taught in a safe, warm place by teachers who care about them and their families.  They are provided snacks to nourish their bodies.  They have the same routines as children in classrooms around the world:  the dread of exam time and receiving the results in a parent-teacher meeting.   We are so thankful for your support which has given these children a chance in life.

What’s Next?

Everyone in Lebanon is grateful for the temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.  All we can do is hope that it will hold long-term.  For now, people living in Lebanon can sleep through the night without being awakened by bombs or drones.

In Syria, the 53-year-long regime of the al-Asad family ended abruptly on Dec. 8.  Fourteen years ago, many Syrians engaged in peaceful protests against the government were attacked with violence, killings, and jail.  A bloody civil war ensued during which the families of our school children fled their country and became refugees in Lebanon and other nearby countries. 

Many of our families came from the Kurdish region of Syria which is on the border with Turkey.  Neither al-Asad nor Turkey have any love-loss for the Kurds who have been jailed, tortured and killed during their quest for an inclusive autonomous state, one which has helped the US oppose ISIS.  Once the Asad family fell, Turkey took advantage of the lack of leadership in Syria and resumed air strikes killing many Kurdish civilians and making a land grab.  For a good summary of the status of the Kurds in Syria, see Broomfield, M., “What Does the Future Hold for Syrian Kurds Post-Assad?” The Nation, 1/15/25,  https://www.thenation.com/article/world/kurds-syria-post-assad-turkey/

Needless to say, under these circumstances, Kurdish refugees in Lebanon do not feel it is safe to return home, and, in fact, don’t even know if their homes or villages are still standing.  Therefore, we will keep running the school for their children as long as there is need.

Reflections from Amine

It has been six months since I was able to visit the school and participate in graduation ceremonies.  That seems like a lifetime ago and so many things have happened since then!  I am happy to report that my family has been able to return to their homes which, though damaged, are at least still standing.  If the ceasefire holds, I will plan my next trip early this spring.  The staff of Noor continue to amaze me with their resilience to withstand the challenges of the economy. 
I and the board are humbled by your love and care for the work we are doing together. 
        --Amine

Your Support is Appreciated

As always, your individual donations and your help spreading the word and alerting us to any grants is appreciated more than you know. Donate Online

Or donate by mail: Noor El-Salam, PO Box 45, Hygiene, CO 80533. We will continue to work for peace and to give children hope through education and love.

Gratefully,

Amine & Noor El-Salam Board