News from Syria

The new Syrian government is taking steps to regain a significant foothold in the oil trade in an attempt to revive the fortunes of a country that has been mired in extreme poverty since 2011, particularly in certain areas. The French oil companies QatarEnergy, TotalEnergies, and ConocoPhillips have signed an agreement with the Syrian Petroleum Company to launch a technical assessment of the offshore area near the Syrian city of Latakia. In 2011, the French company Total halted oil production in Syria in compliance with EU sanctions imposed on the government of former President Bashar al-Assad. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the new Syrian government aimed at attracting foreign investment into the country’s energy sector, which has been severely impacted by years of civil war and sanctions. The agreement reflects Syria’s efforts to rebuild its oil and gas sector after years of conflict that severely disrupted production and damaged critical infrastructure. It also comes at a time when the eastern Mediterranean is attracting growing interest from international energy companies following major offshore discoveries in the Levant Basin.It is within this context of hope that the work of the Sisters of Charity of Khabab and Damascus takes place, as they have always stood by the victims of war. Sr. Mona writes to us from Khabab: “Despite our current situation, we still hope for a better future. We give thanks to the Lord for all that we experience and place all our hope in Him alone.

In recent months, we have been able to provide food packages for 75 families and purchase kitchen utensils and household furnishings (ironing board, iron, cooking stove, plates, pots, chairs, table). We still need to provide them with a battery-powered light because, even now, they are in the dark during the evening and at night! Sometimes difficulties seem to pile up for some people, one after another. A young man from one of the refugee families, who is still a high school student and therefore very young, has been diagnosed with cancer in his leg. It seems this cancer is among the most difficult and aggressive types. We ask you to pray for him because he has begun his ordeal with radiation and various tests. He has a long journey whose outcome we do not know, especially since the healthcare system here is still very weak. We continue our mission of closeness and support for the families who are already here and for those we expect will still come knocking on our door!

Sr Mona Dhem