InstagramReflecting on Our Journey to Syria 🇸🇾
June 11–19, 2026
We recently returned from a remarkable journey to Syria with MedGlobal’s Humanitarian Faith Initiative — an interfaith delegation of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faith leaders who traveled together not to observe, but to listen.
After fourteen years of conflict, Syria is writing a new chapter, and we came to bear witness to it. 🕯️
📍 In Damascus, we experienced the Umayyad Mosque’s centuries-old collective Adhan and visited the shrine of Prophet Yahya (John the Baptist). We met His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Bishop Romanos of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, and some of the last remaining members of Syria’s historic Jewish community at the Damascus Synagogue. Syria’s Minister of Social Affairs and Labour, @hindkabawat, welcomed us into her home for an open, heartfelt conversation.
📍 In Homs, Archbishop Matta Al-Khoury welcomed us to the ancient Umm al-Zennar Church — the Church of the Holy Belt.
📍 In Aleppo, we met Bishop Hanna Jallouf and visited Al-Tawhid Mosque, remarkably nestled between two churches — a living symbol of coexistence.
Not every moment was easy. Sednaya Military Prison and the ruins of Jobar reminded us that rebuilding Syria means restoring trust and dignity, not just buildings.
Grateful to have traveled alongside:
Dr. Zaher Sahloul, Pastor Bob Roberts Jr., Pastor Gregory Livingston, Rabbi David Saperstein, James Chen, Ellen Weiss, Dr. Mohammed Tajammul Hussain, Dr. Mahjabeen Husain, Mirna Barq, Dr. Wael Aleji, Samer Chamsi-Pasha, Maroun Akiki, Roula Chalhoub, Imam Kareem Irfan, Rana Irfan, Suzanne Akhras, and Imam Hassan Aly.
Special thanks to Mirna Barq (Syrian Christians for Peace, USA) and Dr. Wael Aleji (UK), whose vision made this delegation possible — and to every leader in Syria who welcomed us with such openness. 🕊️
The work doesn’t end here. In many ways, it’s only just begun.
Special thanks to MedGlobal staff who provided so much support @belal.a
InstagramAlongside the MedGlobal leaders, staff, and faith leaders, I witnessed the profound impact of a truly vital sanctuary: Syria’s first specialized clinic for torture survivors.
Through our Recovery Center, we are providing a lifeline to former detainees and trauma survivors by delivering specialized Care and Holistic Support.
Healing from such deep trauma requires faith, community, and unwavering solidarity. The need is immense, and we cannot do this alone.
Please support our mission today. Your generosity translates directly into dignity, hope, and healing for those who have endured the unimaginable.
https://donorbox.org/solidarity-with-syria
#MedGlobal #FaithInitiative #Homs #Syria #HumanitarianAid Healing
Humanitarian Faith Initiative - HFI @suzakhras @akhrasa
InstagramQiam Institute was honored to welcome more than 70 respected imams and scholars from across the United States and Canada on May 1st during the NAIF (North American Imam Fellowship) Conference in Chicago.
Together, we discussed the evolving challenges of faith leadership, community service, mental health, youth engagement, and building stronger bridges with society at large.
At Qiam Institute, we believe that authentic leadership, compassion, and meaningful dialogue are essential for building stronger communities for everyone.