In 2011, the Arab countries of North Africa and the Middle East experienced the “Arab Spring,” aka a movement for democracy. The movement was accompanied by large-scale anti-government protests, and many countries experienced refugee outbreaks, with Syria being the most affected by the civil war.
Lin, 16, is one of those who were forced to flee her homeland.

A desperate escape in a rubber boat

I never thought this would happen to me. I never thought I would have to flee my own country. It was very hard, but I held my mother's and sister's hands and ran away desperately in order to survive. But when I got out to sea, I was so scared. I saw people fall off boats and die right in front of me.
The images of many refugees crossing the sea in crude rubber boats shocked the world at the time.
What we went through, I don't want it to happen to anyone else.
While she is concerned about the harsh conditions she has experienced, Lin also remembers to look out for others.
Like Lin, there are people who serve others even in difficult circumstances.

When humans are in trouble, it is humans who help.

The Syrian Red Crescent supports many people in need of humanitarian aid.
In addition to medical activities such as hospital operations and traveling medical clinics, the Syrian Red Crescent also provides “mental health care,” “distribution of food and relief supplies,” “hygiene education,” and a variety of other ongoing support activities to protect the lives, livelihoods, and dignity of people in extreme conditions. However, even these activities are fraught with danger.
In the first five years since the outbreak of the civil war in 2011, 48 staff and volunteers have lost their lives in action, and the number of those injured far exceeds this number.

Raghad Adli, who has experience working during the civil war as an employee of the Syrian Red Crescent Society and has also used her ability to speak Japanese to support Syria with an international NGO in Japan, said the following about why she continues to provide support.
We are all human beings, so we need to do something for human beings. When humans are in trouble, someone needs to help.”
And she continues to share her message with the world as well.
I want people to know first of all the real Syria before the war, not the Syria during the war. And don't forget that we (Syrians) are also in this world. Don't forget about us.”

There is only one thing to hope for

Ms. Raghad has continued to support her native Syria even from the foreign land of Japan. She has only one wish: “Someday I want to go back to Syria and work in an educational institution.
I want to go back to Syria one day and work in an educational institution. I want to return to Syria and contribute to Syria.
Lin, who left Syria with her family, has the same wish.
I want to study. I want to study a lot, and when I grow up, I want to return to Syria with my family. That's all I want.