Originally published on the CGS blog on February 16, 2012.
Last week, staff gathered around a table in our office and discussed the sad accounts of Syrian activists feeling disillusioned and abandoned after Russia and China vetoed a UN Resolution aimed at stopping the conflict.
We knew we had to do something for the Syrian activists, but what?
The international community was moving at a snail’s pace, so our political advocacy options were unclear. But we did know one thing – even if mostly symbolic, it was important to let the Syrian people standing up for their freedom know that U.S. citizens haven’t forgotten about them.
We sent Syria a Valentine.
After all, Valentine’s Day has come to be regarded as a day that celebrates all kinds of love and friendship. If cards are given to teachers, parents, children, siblings, friends and sweethearts, why not Syrian activists?
Would our community understand the gesture and participate? YES!!
“My heart goes out to the brave people of Syria. We will find a way to help you in spite of Russia and China. The power of the people is more powerful than the people in power.” ~ Linda from Fullerton, CA
You and your friends and family connected the dots, just as John from South Portland, Maine noted when he wrote his message to Syrian activists,
“This card is a simple token of the commitment of the American people to press our leaders to support the Syrians in their struggle against Assad, not a substitute for political/civic engagement.”
And Syrian activists understood the Valentine Day card campaign too. Mariya of the Syrian Facebook group “Syrian Revolution Statistics” who are documenting human rights violations emailed us directly and said,
“We do appreciate all gestures of friendship and solidarity, as we hope the new Syria will be one that respects human rights and humanity everywhere.”
And yesterday, we took all of our messages of solidarity for the Syrian people’s quest for freedom to the Syrian Embassy.
In our “special delivery” to Syrian Ambassador Imad Moustapha, your comments were included to let him know that Americans love and support the Syrian people and ask for a peaceful solution to the humanitarian crisis.
“Take heart! We see you and our hearts go out to you. We are searching for ways to help you. We are so sorry it’s taking so long and we are focused on getting world leaders to listen and represent us all better.” ~ Jayne from North Bend WA
Thanks for all of your hard work and TONS of meaningful messages to Syrian activists!
