When the situation in the Syrian province of Suweida escalated in mid-July 2025, life changed fundamentally for many people within just a few days. Gunfire echoed through the city, improvised checkpoints appeared, and shells struck residential neighborhoods. What at first looked like isolated tensions quickly developed into a wave of fear, displacement, and uncertainty - with particularly severe consequences for women.
One of them is Maha (name changed). Eight months pregnant, she was trying to prepare for the birth of her child while fighting drew closer outside. As shells hit her neighborhood and families fled in haste, she had little choice: a basement instead of a delivery room, fear instead of anticipation. The extreme stress, lack of medical care, and days of uncertainty ultimately led to premature labor. Her son was born with complications in an overcrowded hospital while gunfire continued outside. Maha's story represents the suffering of thousands of Druze women during those days - and to this day.
It was precisely out of this experience that something new emerged just a few weeks later: the volunteer women's team "Laith" ("Lion"). Seven young Druze women founded the initiative on September 1, 2025, after their own lives had also been thrown off course by the events in July. Their studies had to be paused, their plans for the future put on hold. Instead, they consciously chose to devote their time and energy to supporting others.
Today, the young women of "Laith" are active throughout the city of Suweida. They work closely with affected communities and primarily support displaced women, pregnant women, and young mothers living under extremely difficult conditions in emergency shelters. Many give birth there - without privacy, without adequate medical support, often traumatized by violence and loss.
From the beginning, the team sought to systematically assess the situation: Who is pregnant? Who urgently needs medical assistance? Where are food, medication, and protection lacking? Based on this, they developed concrete forms of support - simple meals in reception centers, spaces of stability and care, play and recreational activities for children to ease fear, even if only for brief moments. Elderly people and individuals with acute medical needs are also provided with medication.
All seven women volunteer their time - and are themselves affected by the crisis. To strengthen them in this demanding role, "Laith" works closely with OlamAid. In online trainings, developed in collaboration with the Israel Midwives Association, volunteers receive professional support. The sessions are led by a Druze psychologist and a Druze midwive from Germany and France, covering topics such as self-care, psychological first aid, supporting traumatized individuals, as well as pregnancy, childbirth, and the sensitive period afterward. This knowledge helps them support others more professionally - while also finding ways to cope with their own experiences.
The women's team "Laith" stands for quiet, determined solidarity. For humanity born out of pain. And for the conviction that hope begins where people stand up for one another - even when their own lives are on hold.
