You’re offline. This is a read only version of the page.
As 2026 began, the lives of many Kurdish families in Aleppo, Syria, changed as the Syrian government established full control of Aleppo and its surrounding areas.
For over a dozen years, these people lived under Kurdish control—but that suddenly changed. Among this group is Nermen's* family of nine who are converts from Islam. Her family lived in a modest house and faced an uncertain future.
"After every discipleship session, I feel relief; my life started to change when I got to know Jesus more."
Nermen's* mother
After attacks from armed groups, the family fled their Kurdish-controlled village in the nearby countryside in December 2024. They sought refuge in the city, not knowing the Assad regime was in its last days.
The family eventually settled in the neighborhood of Sheikh Maksoud, under the control of Kurdish forces. They chose their current home because they didn't have to pay rent, but the home wasn't safe. The walls were gray with moisture, making the house nearly unlivable. In the middle of the room, there was only one small light.
They had few belongings—just some blankets, carpets, and mattresses. Nermen's father had lost his previous job in the village. And the oldest daughter, a 21-year-old nurse, had also lost her livelihood when the local hospital closed due to damage from the conflict.
"I feel powerless, our life is too hard, we cannot even afford a good meal for the kids," says Nermen's mother. With seven children to support, five girls and two boys, everyone had to find a way to survive. All of the children, even the youngest 10-year-old son, dropped out of school; they now work any job they can find just so the family can survive.
Life grew even harder in January 2026 when conflict broke out between the Syrian government and Kurdish forces. The family was forced to flee for a week, and they took refuge at their relative's house in the far northeast of the country. When they finally returned and the Syrian government took control of their neighborhood, they found that even their basic kitchen equipment had been stolen.
Despite the hardship, Nermen's mother found a sense of sanctuary in faith. When she arrived in Aleppo in December 2024, she began attending the local church and the discipleship training funded by an Open Doors partner in Syria … an unexpected move from the matriarch of a family from a Muslim-Kurdish background.
"I feel comfortable there. After every discipleship session, I feel relief; my life started to change when I got to know Jesus more," she shares.
The family now attends one of the churches that Open Doors' local partner cooperates with.
And now, through the support of Open Doors' local partner, Nermen's family has rehabilitated their house. They've painted the walls and replaced the stolen kitchen equipment, taking the first small steps toward a stable life. The house was once unlivable, but today, it tells a different story.
Still, the family's situation is not easy. Even now, the youngest son, only 10 years old, sits on a thin carpet on the floor. He stays close to a small electric heater to stay warm. Days can be very cold in the Syrian winter and early spring. Behind him, his father sits quietly, and they chat together. Nearby, Nermen's mother prepares food, her eyes watching the door, waiting for her other children to come home from work; only one of them is an adult.
But at least for now, a little stability has come to this family. Thanks to your gifts and prayers, people are finding hope again.
Please continue to pray for all the Syrians who have lost their homes and are now displaced. Like Nermen's family, they're facing immense life challenges as they start over. Pray they find peace. May God be the road and the power for them to begin again.
*Name changed to protect security
