UAE residents are doing what they can to help people affected by the ongoing conflict in Syria.

Unrest in the country has been dragging on for more than 16 months, with the death toll steadily climbing.

The UAE Red Crescent Authority has been leading local efforts to provide aid, but officials say in addition to funds and relief supplies, awareness must also be raised.

A group of Dubai musicians aimed to do just that this week. 

Harpists Lidia Stankulova, Harjoot Singh, Diana Pandova, Teaguen Scott and Dima Alkasem took part in Harpists for Peace—a worldwide event that sees harp players perform for one hour in the name of peace.

The Dubai group dedicated their recital at the Fridge to Syria. They were also joined by Syrian national Khalil Ghadri, who plays an Arabic instrument known as the Qanun.

“We had to focus on Syria,” said Stankulva. “Khalil composed a piece especially for the children in Syria.”

The UAE was the only country in the region to participate in the event.

Stankulva said the performance provided a powerful message.

“It’s peace in two ways. It’s peace in the humanity way and peace in ourselves. On this day everyone in the world can find the harpists playing for peace. I think this is quite a powerful thing,” she said.

Rights groups say more than 1.5 million Syrians are in desperate need of humanitarian aid. They also say up to 500,000 people have been displaced by the conflict in the country.

It is hoped the holy month of Ramadan will lead to a spike in donations for Syria.

Anyone interested in helping is being advised to contact a local branch of the Red Crescent Authority. 

LOCAL NEWS

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