Happy Eid to Syria
Eid is coming soon, I wish a happy Eid to everyone in our beloved Syria. Everyone wants to celebrate the festival with joy as our country is clean of terrorists. Eid used to be a very nice occasion that people put on nice clothes, spend a lot of money on buying sweets, cookies and food. They visit friends, neighbors, and relatives; it used to be a special event full of happiness.
However, all of us don’t feel well during this Eid. We keep thinking of those who become displaced due to terrorist’s attacks, and can’t afford a meal, or buy new clothes to their children. We have to think how we can add the color of happiness to the Eid of those who have experienced hard times, because of terrorists who displaced them. The joy of Eid will be marred, if even one remains hungry, uncared for.
Even if we cannot afford them money, we can always do something to brighten their lives when we stop being selfish, and thinking only of our fun, pleasure, gaiety, and happiness.
To me, the best way to help those people is to give them a hand up rather than a hand down.” Don’t give fish to the poor, teach them how to catch the fish.” ( I like this saying). Hence they mustn’t depend on anyone for their next lunch or dinner”. They need help to survive so you have to give this help with hearts full of humility and sincerity. It also makes them aware that someone really does care about their self esteem, dignity and restore their self confidence in overcoming barriers that face them everyday.
We all are touched by the incidents hitting our beloved country, and want to do something. Our soldiers are sacrificing their lives for us to live happily and safe, so whatever we do is nothing in comparison to those heroes’ deeds. I believe that instead of buying a new jacket or dress, spend money in different ways and even if we haven’t a lot of money to afford, let’s spend just few hours, in showing kindness to other people.
There are many ways to donate, may be through organizations, or by visiting displaced makeshifts centers. You know, even a smile, a hug, a helpful hand, a kind word or a listening ear will be effective, when someone suffered loss or tragedy. The blessing of giving always comes back to us, not only on Eid, but also throughout our life, I think it matters more than you imagine.
We should not feel despair, because there is so much suffering and grief around us. Instead, we should do what we can to make things better, and encourage others to do the same. The person who sows seeds of love and kindness enjoys a perpetual harvest.
I love you all, you love me too, because we share the same land, sky and same homeland. With love we can rebuild our country as love has eyes to see misery and need. It has ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of people. It also has a hand to help others.
Finally we ask Almighty God to guide us to the right path.
Butheina Alnounou
bossynounou@yahoo.com