Humanitarian initiative in Tal Tamr helps residents exchange currency to buy bread

Residents of Tal Tamr continue to face difficulties related to the circulation of the new currency, as it remains insufficiently available, while bakeries have begun accepting the new currency for bread purchases. This has created an additional challenge for some residents in securing a basic necessity.

With residents visiting bakeries daily to buy bread, some have been forced to look for ways to exchange the old currency they have for the new banknotes, amid crowds outside bakeries and the recurring need to secure bread.

In response, resident Walid Shaker Abdullah, who runs an X-ray center, launched a personal initiative outside Al-Khabour Bakery in Tal Tamr. Through the initiative, he exchanges the old currency held by residents for new banknotes brought by patients when they visit his center, without charging any fee or commission, with the aim of helping them purchase bread and overcome difficulties in obtaining the new currency.

Walid Shaker Abdullah, who brings all the new currency he has with him to Al-Khabour Bakery every day before going to work, said his decision to launch the initiative stemmed from his awareness of the residents’ hardships. He said the current circumstances require people to move from criticism and talk to initiative and action, adding: “Everyone in Syria criticizes and talks, but I wonder, does anyone actually do anything?”

He explained that he comes to Al-Khabour Bakery every day to exchange old currency for new banknotes for residents without receiving anything in return. He stressed that the initiative aims not only to help residents buy bread, but also to promote the principle of social solidarity and support people during difficult circumstances.

Abdullah called for similar initiatives to be adopted across Syria, saying: “We hope this initiative will spread, not only in Hasakah Governorate, but throughout Syria, based on the principle: ‘How can I help you?’”

The initiative offers an example of community solidarity in Tal Tamr, as one resident chose to turn his awareness of the hardships facing the local population into direct assistance at a time when difficulties in obtaining the new currency are adding further burdens to residents trying to meet their daily needs, particularly securing bread.

a.k

ANHA