Dahab Atiq (“Old-But-Gold”)

"I was so happy attending this celebration. It reminded me of the old good days, at which families gathered celebrating Halabi weddings in ancient houses," an elderly man happily commented during an event organized by the Syrian Society for Social Development (SSSD).

The event was held in Khan Wazir, Old Aleppo City in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), hosting 275 older persons coming from all the centers throughout Aleppo.
A group of elderly gave a musical show, and children from the mentoring program and childhood space jointly performed a theatre scene.

Nothing is more heart-warming to SSSD team than capturing the beneficiaries' comments:
"I was happy seeing the table covers I made along with my female friends as part of Hear-My-Heart sessions."
"I want to tell you the story of a beautiful gathering with the beloved in a cozy place. I was surprised of the fancy welcome, ARADA, drums, and Arab dancing."
" Reading the statement in tears -gold is precious- on the olive leaf pin placed on my clothes by SSSD officer, made me feel proud of my age and well versed experience."
"I enjoyed my time chatting with people in the fine-dine ancient restaurant. Al-Qudud Al-Halabia, Zagharid and dancing were spectacular."
"Time passed by fast. The smell of Old Aleppo and its authenticity revived my spirit."

Aleppo

From Shams Community Center to Beit Al Eila Center, Elderly Women's Visit

2019-09-28

"Oh guests coming from the distance. Your visit is sweeter than the nights of Eid."
"A warm welcome! Had we known earlier of your visit, we would have spread flowers all over the place."

With these beautiful sing hymns, the women from Beit Al Eila welcomed the women from Shams Community Center offering them flowers.

Aiming at reviving the spirit of friendship and strengthening social bonds among people coming from different backgrounds, the Syrian Society for Social Development (SSSD), in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) organized a gathering for 30 women to celebrate the occasion of International Friendship Day.

The gathering included some singing, contests, and group games. Further, the women from Shams Center prepared and offered Tabuleh Halabia and Wark Enab, sharing its recipe with other women who loved the food.

The gathering was concluded by taking a group photo, which of women held hands to symbolize friendship and solidarity, with the hope of enjoying more upcoming gatherings.

A glimpse of the comments the women made means the world to SSSD team:
"I was so happy, I felt I was close to others and there is still goodness among people."
"Jazakum Allah Khair. On your joyful days, I will be there for you."
"You revived the old good days we have been missing. I hope you would organize more gatherings."