Syrian orphanages overcrowded with children traumatized by war
An orphanage in Azaz, near Aleppo and the Turkish border, serves hundreds of Syrian children who lost their families in the ongoing war.
ALEPPO, Syria — Dozens of orphans gathered around Alaa al-Din Obeid in the playground of the Azaz orphanage after their classes were over. The children asked him many questions at once. Obeid patiently answered them, the smile of a caring father on his wrinkled face.
Obeid clapped his hands and told the children gathering around him, “It is time to play now. You have one hour, and then we can start reading. Please do not be late.”
Obeid, a supervisor, spends most of his time with the hundreds of children who live there. He rarely goes home.
The orphanage is located in the city of Azaz in Aleppo’s northern countryside, the biggest city under the armed opposition’s control. It has also become a haven for thousands of displaced Syrians. Azaz is relatively safe, given its proximity to the Turkish border. Turkey has promised to protect it. The orphanage is careful not to be seen as affiliated with any political faction or party.
