Syrian Refugees’ Suffering in Lebanon Worsens During Ramadan
(Arab World Press) - As the economic crisis in Lebanon deepens over the years, Syrian refugees in the country are struggling to survive, especially during the holy fasting month of Ramadan amid unprecedented price hikes.
On the outskirts of the village of Ketermaya, some 40 kilometers south of Beirut, dozens of Syrian families live in dilapidated tents with barely enough to eat for the iftar (fast-breaking) meal.
Syrian refugee Lina Dahmash said, “Ramadan is very hard for us. These are the most difficult days we have ever been through. In the past, things were better, but now the situation is tragic. For instance, I am cooking on a heater with firewood because I can’t get a gas cylinder.”
She could not hold back her tears when she spoke of the harsh living conditions in refugee camps, saying her suffering is particularly great as her children are all young.
“The eldest is 11 years old. Should he study or work? And what should he do for work?” she asked.
She added, “My 9-year-old son, when he saw this food, went to collect plastic materials and I don’t know anything about his safety on the streets. There are no harder circumstances than this; a nine-year-old boy sensing the ordeal we are going through. We are no longer able to get bread or food.”
Another Syrian refugee, Ibrahim Kenno, described the situation during Ramadan as “extremely tragic” and said, “Everyone struggles to prepare their iftar meal with difficulty. In some tents, people have nothing but dates, milk and a little rice.”
Ali Tafish, the chairman of the Al-Hayah w’al-Nour charitable foundation, said there were undoubtedly difficulties providing the essentials for people in light of the very significant price hikes.
According to government statistics, Lebanon hosts about 1.5 million Syrian refugees out of millions who left their homeland since the conflict began in 2011.