In brief
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, many Syrians are feeling the crunch of a severe cash shortage exacerbated by shifting governmental policies and the aftermath of civil war. The grim economic landscape is dampening the festive spirit typically associated with this time of year.
In the lead-up to Ramadan, residents in Damascus are facing long waits outside banks. Many, like civil engineer Sleiman Dawoud, can only withdraw the equivalent of $15 to prepare for the holiday, significantly lowering their ability to purchase essentials. "That can buy maybe a kilo and a half of meat," Dawoud lamented, highlighting the limited purchasing power as families strive to gather supplies for the month of fasting.For the elderly, like 75-year-old Ra’if Ghnaim, the situation is even more worrying. He fretted about continuing traditions such as giving children cash gifts at the end of Ramadan, uncertain of how to afford these customs in the current climate. The changes come just months after the end of the Assad regime, which had held power for over fifty years. The new rebel coalition government has implemented tough economic measures that include stringent cash withdrawal limits, which make it increasingly difficult for citizens to adequately prepare for the holiday.As households across Syria brace for Ramadan, they face not only a struggle for survival but also a lost opportunity to enjoy the communal bonds and celebrations typically associated with this holy month.
