An Irish-Syrian citizen who fled Aleppo in 2014 recently returned to her home city, only to find it “completely destroyed.”
Dentist Loujin Shakerdi has made Maynooth, Co. Kildare, her home since her arrival in Ireland nearly a decade ago. However, the lingering effects of the 13-year civil war she escaped have left an indelible mark on her heart, igniting a strong desire to return and lend a helping hand.
During a recent five-day humanitarian medical mission, the 25-year-old found herself stationed in Maarat al-Numan, a town situated just south of Aleppo. Reflecting on her visit, she recalled, “There was no city left. It was completely destroyed. There was not a single roof left on a building. It was devastating to see.”
Amidst the ruins of the Aleppo suburb, Ms. Shakerdi’s dental team was busy treating between 20 to 30 patients each day. Despite their dedication and resourcefulness, the team faced significant challenges. With no access to electricity, their capacity to provide comprehensive dental care was severely restricted, forcing them to prioritize emergency treatments and pain relief.
Ms. Shakerdi described their efforts, stating, “We did as much as we could with what we had. But there was still so much more to do.” Her passion for helping others shines through, yet she expressed a poignant sense of guilt during her mission. “Sometimes I can’t help but feel a little bit of guilt because in a parallel universe, it could’ve actually been me in their position.”
In sharing her story, Ms. Shakerdi becoming a voice for the countless individuals still affected by the ongoing crisis in her homeland. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of compassion, especially in times of great need.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
