Silva (55), Lena (54), and Ani (48) lived a happy life in the family of craftsmen in Nor-Gyugh district in Aleppo, Syria. Lena was a best dressmaker, Silva was knitting sweaters and jackets, and Ani was irreplaceable in embroidery work. The sisters lost their parents before the war, and they believed that was the saddest period in their life they had to endure. Alas, soon they had to face a bigger disaster in their life – the war in Syria.
Upon return from work one November day in 2014 they could not find their home where it used to be. What they found was ruins from shelling. In a small suit-case the sisters packed some clothes and belongings they managed to collect and led to the land of their ancestors, Armenia.
‘’We had been working diligently for thirty-five years trying to save some money for retirement with no one else to support us.” – Lena says trying to hide her excitement. ‘’Who could have thought that we would be left alone with unclear future with no home and income.’’ – Ani says trying to hide her feelings. ‘’All our lives we were dreaming to visit Armenia, our ancestral motherland that was near and far, familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. By irony of fate we came to Armenia not to enjoy its sights and people but seek its protection.’’ – Lena’s sister, Silva says sadly.
The Government of Armenia welcomed the sisters, as well as thousands of other displaced Syrian families, and offered basic support to enable them to maintain their livelihoods. UNHCR and its partners, Mission Armenia, KASA Swiss Humanitarian Foundation and other NGO-s continue to support them with emergency response, vocational trainings and income generation projects.
‘’The sewing machine we have received from the Armenian Red Cross Society is our only hope. We ought to work harder than ever to make our living. We have no way out – the small savings we brought with us are diminishing with lightning speed. What we need to do is to roll up our sleeves and start our lives all over again.’’ – Ani, the younger sister says and smiles with hope in her eyes. With the assistance of the rental subsidy scheme UNHCR operates in Armenia, the sisters live in a one-room apartment in a remote district of Yerevan with a fear in their heart that they may not be able to afford even that in a near future. ‘’We believe in our skills, and the optimism to help us overcome all the difficulties. These social problems seem so minor compared to the hardships we had to go through during the flight.’’ – Ani says. ‘’What is important is the safety and peace we enjoy in Armenia, the friendly neighbours and supporters and our new network that expands day by day.’’ – Silva, the older sister, adds. The sisters tell about their life in Aleppo, their work, interests and friendships.
The warmest memories stem from their passion of singing in the church choir for more than forty years. “This is what we deeply miss. I see the choir and the church in my dream. And we will never see our beloved church in reality again… as it has been ruined, as well…’’ – Lena says with tears in her eyes. Silva soothes her: ‘’We are thankful and happy for where we are now and the little we have. But in fact, we can hardly resist our tears even when we smile. ‘’The memories are sometimes stronger than us.’’ – the three sisters say it in unison and look at each other.
About 14,000 persons fleeing the conflict in Syria, primarily of ethnic Armenian background, have sought and found protection in Armenia and new arrivals, often in most destitute situation are observed every week. The families enjoy the warm welcome and support by the government and the society, diaspora and faith-based organisations. UNHCR and its partners play a big part in offering a variety of emergency assistance schemes combined with livelihoods projects to families displaced from Syria and seeking protection in Armenia. However, they still face a lot of challenges: it is difficult to find affordable housing, sufficient economic opportunities to uphold their livelihood, and adapt to a new contrast in environment.
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