Dear friends, 

It is hard to believe how much has happened since my last update. 

It has been a very challenging and heartbreaking time for so many people around the world.  We were so shocked to hear about the recent explosion in Beirut - our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. 

And as the Coronavirus spreads in Syria, we fear for our people once more, who face this pandemic with a severe lack of medical facilities and resources, a lack of space and a lack of safety. All of this is happening as we approach the anniversary of the chemical attack in Ghouta six years ago; a sad reminder that the suffering of the Syrian people has been going on for far too long with no sign of it stopping. 

In addition to raising funds for Syrian civilians and heroes on the ground there (which we do through Waad’s campaign Action For Sama), we want to raise awareness and show solidarity at this uncertain time. That’s why we have launched a new initiative with Future Aleppo called Homemade City. 

The project is inspired by Syrian, Mohammed, who made a model building of Aleppo as a way to rebuild his city. While in Aleppo, Waad captured this incredible project in a film for Channel 4 and now families all across the world are invited to get involved. Borders are no issue here. 

This Saturday 15 August, children can join Waad, Afraa and our children for a free live online workshop (in English and Arabic). Mohammed will teach participants how to make a paper model building and after the workshop, we will encourage people to share photos of their creations. A selection will be made into a new virtual reality city. 

Please, come and get creative and learn about our home city of Aleppo. Visit actionforsama.com/homemade-city to find out more and book your place. 

Our city continues to suffer from destruction at the hands of the regime. But the regime will never stop our hopes to rebuild our city. 

Stay safe and we hope to see you Saturday, 

Dr. Hamza