For the past 15 years, Mehad has been working alongside communities affected by conflict. Behind this commitment lie stories and personal journeys.
Nawar’s story is one of exile and rebuilding.
Mohammad’s, meanwhile, tells of what it means to carry on living and looking after oneself in a country at war.
Leaving to survive: Nawar’s journey
“I left Syria in September 2012, never imagining that it would be the start of a long exile.”
After several arrests linked to her involvement in the protests, and having been subjected to acts of torture, including a gunshot wound, Nawar realised that staying put was putting her life at risk.
After his latest arrest, he decided to leave the country, initially thinking it would only be temporary. But very soon, returning became impossible.
Before settling in France, he spent nearly six years moving between Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey and Germany – successive stops, always temporary.
Exile: between instability and resilience
Like many refugees, his journey has been marked by uncertainty, even though he considers himself ‘one of the lucky ones’. He did not have to risk his life crossing the sea and was able to obtain asylum through the French Embassy in Turkey.
“There’s this sense of survivor’s guilt… wondering why me, when so many others weren’t so lucky.”
Nawar now lives in Lyon with his partner. His sister has also settled there, whilst his parents have remained in Syria.
Starting over somewhere else wasn’t easy. Despite their experience, they had to start from scratch.
Getting involved to give meaning
Nawar was already familiar with Mehad through his activities in Syria. When he joined the organisation in 2023, it seemed only natural.
“It was a way of joining an organisation whose values I share, and whose impact I had already seen on the ground.”
Today, his own experiences fuel his commitment. Having lived through the conflict himself, he has a deeper understanding of the realities faced by the people he supports.
At Mehad, he has found a sense of balance and the opportunity to dedicate himself to a meaningful cause.
Mohammad’s journey: living with illness, despite the war
Born in Syria amidst war and armed conflict, Mohammad has thalassaemia, a genetic blood disorder, which was diagnosed when he was just six months old.
His survival depends on regular blood transfusions.
For the past three years, he has been receiving treatment at the thalassaemia centre supported by Mehad in Raqqa. There, he receives not only the essential medical care he needs, but also vital psychosocial support for himself and his family.
At a time when the healthcare system is under strain, access to care is vital.
In 2023, nearly 8,450 transfusions were carried out for 515 patients at this centre.
Two paths, one commitment
Nawar’s story and Mohammad’s are different. But both reflect the same reality: lives turned upside down by war and the need for access to essential healthcare.
For the past 15 years, Mehad has been working to meet these needs, supporting both carers and those in need of care.
