We, Jim and Wendy,  met Marwa Saffaf in 2001 when we worked at ICARDA International School of Aleppo, Syria. Marwa was an assistant in the library and Wendy was the teacher-librarian while Jim was the highschool principal. 

We left Aleppo in 2004 and at that time Marwa also left the school to begin working as a teacher at her family's kindergarten.  Since our departure, Marwa has gotten married and is now the proud mother of three young boys, Mutaz,  Adam and Yusuf (ages 7, 6 and 3).
 
During our time in Syria, life was good.  Marwa lived in a comfortable apartment and the city was a peaceful oasis.  Our Syrian friends were immensely proud of their country and enjoyed their life.  We loved our time there and still have many friends and contacts from that great experience.

Unfortunately, life in Aleppo changed from what we experienced during those wonderful three years.  Marwa now lives in a bombed out building, frightened to allow her children outside and without water, electricity or any means of support.

Since returning to Canada we have tried to encourage Marwa to leave Aleppo but for the longest time she maintained a hope that the war would end.   While most other Syrians who we knew have left or escaped to refuge camps across the border, Marwa has remained in the hope that life will improve.   

Unfortuntately, it has now reached a crisis point where she simply cannot continue.  While the city has crumpled around her, her own apartment, until recently received only small amounts of damage.  Recently however it has been hit by shells and life has become unbearable.  

It was originally our hope that she would be permitted to come to Canada as a visitor for six months after which the fighting would subside.  Unfortunately Marwa has twice been denied a visitors visa to Canada.   Originally she was reluctant to leave Syria as a refugee as it would have meant abandoning her home country and spending perhaps years in a refugee camp while she awaited the processing of her application.  

Last summer, as the war become more unbearable, Marwa's husband Bader left Aleppo in an attempt to reach Finland.  It was their hope that once established he could gain approval for them to join him.  His journey was stopped short in Germany where he now has refugee status and has applied for permission for Marwa and his sons to join him.  She has an appointment scheduled July 10th in Beirut then has a 3 month wait to find out if they can be reunited.

Marwa had hoped to remain in her home until final approval is attainded but life has become impossible.   The army now occupies her building, her balcony has been blown off, all windows are broken and they fear for their lives.  

Our goal is to have Marwa and her sons make their way to Beirut where they can board a plane to Istanbul, Turkey.  This portion of the trip, to Beirut, is a dangerous 20 hour journey through multiple checkpoints set up by various factions.  The behaviour of the fighters is unpredictable and people have gone missing on this route.  Marwa is terrified but now feels there is no other option.

We are currently searching for a furnished  apartment in Istanbul where she and her sons can be safe while they await their immigration appointment with the Germany embassy.  

Any funds raised will be used to pay for travel expenses, apartment rental and food for the (approximately) 6 months that Marwa and sons expect to be in Turkey.   We expect that the costs will be in the area of $10,000.

Thank you in advance for any donations. We look forward to seeing Marwa, Bader and their sons reunitied in the not too distant future.