Across the Border: Return to Syria

Reflections from the R&R Peace Centres in the border region between Lebanon and Syria: Friedrich Bokern, founder and chairman of Relief & Reconciliation International (R&R), is sharing stories of hope and spiritual solidarity that we encounter in the work of our association.

This week’s topic is about the Return of Syrian refugees to Syria, one year after the liberation from the Assad regime. Hundreds of thousands have already returned; others became refugees now; others wish to return but don’t have the ways and means at their disposal.

Our work continues every day, in solidarity with those who had to flee violence and hardship, submitting ourselves to the guidance of all communities living in the border regions between Syria and Lebanon. Our Peace Centre is a house of radical hospitality, rooted in the local Islamic and Christian tradition, but open to all.

We are very glad to announce the opening of a new Peace Centre inside Syria, on the ancient site of Kadesh (Tell Nabi Mendo), next to Qusayr in the Homs Governorate. The new Peace Centre Kadesh has started working on 4 December of last year, but we needed a bit of time to renovate the house. We will tell you more in the coming days.

Please stay connected and think about what you can do to support our mission. Every little help is carrying us and our mission. You can become R&R, join us as international volunteer or make a donation.