In brief
Despite the end of dictatorship, holiday celebrations are overshadowed by financial hardship.
In the lead-up to Ramadan, long lines of people in Syria’s capital, Damascus, are forming outside banks, often waiting for hours just to withdraw a mere $15 for their holiday shopping. With severe withdrawal limits imposed by the new government, many are finding it difficult to afford essentials in what is usually a joyous occasion. Sleiman Dawoud, a local civil engineer, expressed the challenge of stretching his limited funds: “That can buy maybe a kilo and a half of meat, but what about bread, vegetables, and fruits? Ramadan is coming, and we need to spend.” For others, like Ra’if Ghnaim, a retired civil servant, the worry extends to continuing traditions, such as giving children gifts at the end of Ramadan. “How are we going to celebrate and give gifts to the children?” he lamented while waiting at an ATM.This year's Ramadan marks the first since the removal of the Assad regime which had dominated Syria for over five decades. The transition to a rebel-led government has brought significant changes to the economy, impacting how families prepare for this important month of fasting and celebration.
