Sources:

·      Tzu Chi Monthly Issue 685

·       Heartwarming Gathering with Master Cheng Yen

Narrated by Hani Aldib - Tzu Chi Foundation Türkiye UN Liaison

Compiled by Wei Yu-Hsien, Tzu Chi Volunteer in Taichung

When I became a refugee, I learnt to empathize and understand the feelings of those in need. In 2023, when we traveled to the earthquake-stricken areas in southeast Türkiye to provide assistance, my son called me to say: "Dad, I miss you." "I miss you too, but I have to stay here," I replied.

In 2017, I obtained Turkish citizenship, finally allowing me to fly to Lebanon. There my father, who had left Syria, met me, but my mother could not come. She had fallen seriously ill due to the stress and worry of having children scattered in various countries. In 2021, she contracted COVID-19 and passed away. Nine years ago, when I left my home in Syria, I promised my mother to be back in three months. Little did I know that it would be the last time I saw her.

My father has always been our role model. He worked tirelessly to ensure our safety and smooth education. In my heart, I will always remember my mother as an excellent teacher, who instilled in us values of respect and compassion – crucial elements in our lives.

In 2014, upon arriving in Türkiye, I initially worked in a garment factory. It was challenging; I was not prepared for such work. But I adapted and learnt tailoring skills. During this time, I began participating in volunteer activities with Tzu Chi. Two years later Tzu Chi established a free clinic in Türkiye. It hired me full-time with my engineering background to manage patient registration, triage, and input physicians' diagnoses into the system.

Fate led me to meet a teacher from El Menahil School, who later became my wife. We have two children now. I must mention Brother Faisal Hu (胡光中), a symbol of humility; he drove the wedding car for us. I had no relatives in Istanbul, but all the volunteers celebrated for me downstairs from the clinic. That day is something I will never forget.

Later, when the clinic ceased operations, I moved to an international organization funded by the United Nations; I worked as a liaison officer and performed big data analysis. Unexpectedly, I had the opportunity to return to Tzu Chi and apply my skills. Tzu Chi later used the dynamic big data analysis system to assist Ukrainian refugees in Poland. I am grateful to Allah for giving us the opportunity to volunteer and to Master Cheng Yen and Brother Faisal Hu for trusting us.

In November 2014, during Tzu Chi's first distribution for Syrian refugees in Sultangazi, Istanbul, blankets were provided. It was then that I learnt the importance of empathy and understanding the feeling of recipients. Later, when I traveled with Tzu Chi to Poland, I told Ukrainian volunteers that I, too, had once been a refugee needing help, and that, one day, they could rise up and help others.

I have been to Poland three times; for me, it has been a turning point. It was there that I came to know Tzu Chi even better, and we gained much experience as a result.

On February 6th 2023, a major earthquake struck the Türkiye-Syria border. A voice inside me said: "I must hurry and stand with Tzu Chi." During those weeks in the disaster zone, the weather was bitterly cold, the city turned into an empty ruin, and people left their homes to find shelter in tents. Some families lost everything. When my son said on the phone "Dad, I miss you," I replied "I miss you too, but I have to stay here."

That period was the closest we had come to Syria. I smelled the air as if it was carrying the scent of my mother, my homeland, and all things familiar. A sense of nostalgia overwhelmed me and lingered for a long time.

In 2023, our journey to Taiwan left a deep impression on our hearts. It was there that I gained a profound understanding of the true values of love and respect for others, transcending different religious beliefs. The overall experience instilled in us a commitment to values such as charity, simplicity, patience, and boundless dedication. This emphasized the significance of adhering to principles. The attention to detail, compassion for people and their suffering, and the emphasis on collaboration and teamwork were all integral aspects of the values we observed, particularly embodied by Master Cheng Yen.

She is recognized as a teacher of love and dedication who has dedicated her life to establishing Tzu Chi and its mission. The presence of Tzu Chi volunteers in 67 countries and regions worldwide reflects the sincerity, dedication, and humanitarian spirit of Tzu Chi volunteers.

I am not only a volunteer but also part of a beautiful dream. As a member of this outstanding family, my every moment is filled with happiness and pride. I affirm that everything we do is for our children and that we work to build a better future for them.