Jack J. (Alawi Resident of Ghab Plain)
The smoke has cleared, but the acrid taste of despair and bitterness still hangs over the Nahr al-Bared. A catastrophic fire, whose origins are still under suspicion, and according to leaked videos and eyewitness accounts, was deliberately set and has a connection to the authorities, has decimated homes in neighbouring villages, forcing some families to evacuate. The fire left behind a trail of massive destruction in the forests and a community grappling with indescribable suffering. While the embers of the fire are gradually extinguished, the flames of suffering still burn brightly in the hearts of our people.
As an Alawite, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of this tragedy. The fire has stripped away not only our possessions, but also our sense of security and stability, leaving us vulnerable. For months, we have endured a harrowing period of political instability and violence, reaching a horrifying climax five months ago. The echoes of horrific massacres still reverberate throughout our villages, and the memory of the victims is etched into the fabric of our community.
The fire has compounded these existing wounds. It has displaced families, deprived them of their livelihoods, and deepened the already profound economic strain we face. I, too, am among those struggling to find a foothold in this new reality. I lost my job after the fall of the regime, adding to my suffering in this already bleak situation.
The loss is not merely material. It’s the loss of irreplaceable memories, the destruction of the heritage of a region passed down through generations. The gathering of sumac, picking bay leaves, hyssop, and other wild herbs. It is the loss of the familiar, the daily routines that were once a source of solace and comfort to the people of the mountain.
The goals of the forest fires do not exceed three possibilities:
1. Searching for armed opponents.
2. Exploding hidden weapons, if any.
3. Impoverishing the Alawites who work with firewood, olive, bay leaves, and…
The events that led to our current suffering began when Al-Julani’s forces toppled the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Our village, which saw the martyrdom of hundreds of its sons, including my brother and my dearest friends, has been caught in the crossfire of political unrest. The consequences are dire, and the future remains uncertain.
We appeal to the wider community for support. We need assistance to rebuild our homes, to provide food and shelter for those in need, and to heal the psychological wounds that this tragedy has left behind. We urge humanitarian organizations, the international community, and all people of goodwill to come to our aid.
We also demand justice and accountability. We demand a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and the perpetrators of the acts of violence that preceded it. We deserve to know the truth and to have our voices heard.
In the face of this destruction, it is easy to succumb to despair. But the spirit of our community remains steadfast. We are Alawites. We are resilient. We are determined to rebuild our lives and reclaim our future. We will persevere. We will rebuild. And we will remember.
