Syrian tray via Ebay, an example.
The metal tray was oval with intricate designs, I put it aside reaching further into the box pulling out a soft grey blue and pale persimmon cloth wrapped around a fragment of pottery. I asked the antique dealer where the items were from as I knew they were not French, and assumed they were Moroccan or North African, he said, "Syrian."
Overwhelmed with sadness, I looked at the tray as I held the fragment wrapped in cloth. Knowing that the country where these pieces came from, is being destroyed. When this war is over what will be left? I imagined the photos of families, blankets, paintings, letters, dishes, cookbooks, jewelry, children's art, rugs, teapot, books, religious artifacts, keys, dreams, gardens, kitchen table, doorways… gone. And those who created, gave, treasured and cared could be gone as well.
"Cultural destruction – the purposeful destruction of buildings, books and art in order to erase collective memory." Via Indiegogo
Such sadness. I feel helpless and shame knowing the horrific destruction that has gone for years in Syria, as I live here in comfortable peace. I want to say, "Come stay with me, come to my house…" Just imagine if most of us did that, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." And why not?
Imagine leaving everything behind for the sake of life.
I bought the pieces from the antique dealer with the idea in mind, I hope one day to meet some refuges and when I do to at least give them a part of their history that I found at the brocante. It is the smallest of gestures, in the face of such gigantic suffering.
I cannot stand just hearing/seeing the news and not doing more. Can I at least open my borders, my home?
What can we do to help?
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