As the holy month of Ramadan began on April 2, 2024, I believe it's a poignant moment to relaunch this campaign. During this time, people reflect on how to express love, kindness, and support for those enduring hardships.

I want to express my gratitude to all those who generously contributed to this campaign, raising a total of £2,557.41, just before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. The funds previously raised were prudently set aside and safeguarded, and they have now been reinstated into this fund (please refer to the attached screenshots). It's important to note that there is a variance in the amount due to a £2,642 commission deducted by Just Giving from the original total. To adapt to the evolving financial landscape, I have revised our target to £50,000.

I recognise that our hearts may be deeply affected by the distressing situation in Ukraine and the suffering of its people. However, I implore you to remember that the Syrian population has been enduring similar hardships for over 12 years. I kindly request you to contemplate how much you can contribute to assist our brothers and sisters in Syria who are in dire need.

Organisations and institutions like the Syria Association of the Deaf face unique challenges in accessing financial support from European benefactors, unlike the aid available to Ukrainian refugees. Every day, Syrians lack the same access to bank accounts and financial transfers that many of us take for granted. Deaf Syrians face an even greater disadvantage, as they often lack access to the information necessary to navigate these systems. To provide them with the vital resources they require, our best course of action is to gather as substantial a sum as possible, which can then be donated in a single, impactful contribution, enabling them to make essential purchases. I plan to visit Syria in August 2022 and hope to utilise these funds to enhance the well-being of Deaf Syrians.

In my capacity as a Deaf filmmaker, I recently released my debut film, "The Silent Side," which explores the lives of the Deaf community in war-torn Syria. Following my visit and interactions with many individuals, I was moved to create this short film, aiming to enlighten the wider world about the profound impact of the conflict on the vulnerable Deaf population in Damascus. Witnessing the stark absence of resources, funding, and the state of their facilities left a lasting impression on me. The mission of the Society is to support as many Deaf and Deaf-blind individuals as possible, ensuring their safety and education, encompassing both adults and children.

I am presently in the process of producing an extended version of the short film—a documentary—that delves into the more humanistic aspects of Syria. This documentary steers clear of the political backdrop and instead focuses on the lives of Deaf and disabled people in Syria. I firmly believe that the current portrayal of this segment of society in the media overlooks their experiences, and it is essential to shine a light on this issue and raise awareness about it. Over the course of the last 14 years, during my visits to Syria, I have witnessed firsthand the dire circumstances faced by Deaf and disabled individuals who often find themselves marginalised by society and lacking access to basic education. The challenge I have encountered throughout my journey is conveying this cause to a broader audience. Visual impact plays a pivotal role in connecting people to this cause, and this is what has motivated me to produce this documentary, affording people the opportunity to witness these realities themselves.

While I speak about Syria, I am aware that similar situations may prevail in other Arab nations. My initial focus will be on Damascus and its environs for two primary reasons. First, my years of experience, established connections, and familiarity with the region give me a distinct advantage there. Secondly, Damascus boasts the largest Deaf population in Syria and serves as the epicentre of Deaf community administration in the country. By commencing our efforts in Damascus, we can use this as a stepping stone to expand our support to other cities, such as Aleppo, Sweidah, Dara’a, Hama, Homs, Latakia, Idlib, and others.

My mother once spoke of a metaphorical mountain that needed to be climbed, and I can see that I am still on that ascent, far from reaching the summit. Governments often provide support to individuals who use wheelchairs or those who are blind, which is undeniably commendable. However, Deaf individuals are often sidelined because people may not possess the necessary skills to communicate effectively with them. Yet, with the right support from governments, Deaf individuals can thrive and become contented, productive members of society.

Over the past 14 years, I have witnessed that the situation for Deaf and disabled people has largely remained stagnant, with minimal to no improvements in their lives. While sporadic interventions are made, these often only last for a year or two and rarely lead to substantial progress. It is imperative that we cast our gaze towards the future, encompassing 2022 and beyond, to explore how we can shape a brighter future for these individuals.

Our initiatives include procuring new books for children to read, learn from, and develop into confident young adults. Additionally, we aim to train more interpreters to ensure that Deaf individuals can access vital information, learn about their human rights, and engage with the broader international Deaf community, ultimately preserving their language. We also aspire to enhance facilities and organise workshops and events to enrich the skills and knowledge of individuals, with the hope of supporting their educational and employment prospects. Moreover, we plan to arrange activities for children and families to attend, providing a safe space for the Deaf community to come together and prevent isolation.

The Society was established in 1961 and boasts a rich heritage that should be cherished and celebrated. Any contributions received will empower the Society to acquire new resources and invest in supplies to aid the Deaf individuals in our community. Your donations will be a substantial source of support for all those who participate in the Society, which has seen minimal support since the onset of the war.

I earnestly appeal for your support of my film by liking, subscribing, commenting, and sharing it. Every donation will make a significant impact! We are in this together, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude in advance for your generous assistance. Should you require additional information regarding this cause or wish to engage in further discussions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email.

You can watch "The Silent Side of Syria" in either English or Arabic by clicking on CC on the YouTube page. The Silent Side of Syria, Thank you for your consideration and support in this crucial endeavor.