As Ramadan approaches, Syrians face significant cash shortages due to government restrictions on bank withdrawals. With daily limits set at $15, many struggle to purchase necessary items for the holiday. Older generations worry about maintaining traditional practices, such as gifting children. This year’s Ramadan follows the removal of the Assad regime, but economic challenges persist.
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, citizens of Syria are experiencing significant economic distress, largely due to the aftermath of civil unrest and recent governmental policies. In the capital city of Damascus, long queues extend outside banks as individuals wait for hours to withdraw a mere $15, equivalent to 200,000 Syrian pounds, intended for their traditional holiday shopping.
The stringent regulations imposed by the new government limit daily withdrawals to small amounts, which hinders families from adequately preparing for Ramadan. For instance, Sleiman Dawoud, a civil engineer, expressed concern about the insufficient funds to purchase basic necessities, stating that the amount allows for only a minimal quantity of meat, raising fears about affording bread, fruits, and vegetables.
Further amplifying the worries among older generations is the inability to provide for customary gifts to children during Ramadan. Ra’if Ghnaim, a retired civil servant, lamented over how he would manage to give children their usual monetary gifts, highlighting the emotional strain the cash shortage places on families during this significant time of year.
The upcoming Ramadan comes three months after the end of the Assad regime, which ruled Syria for decades with oppressive measures. The new coalition government in Damascus has initiated various economic shifts, yet citizens are still grappling with the economic implications of this transition during the festive season.
In summary, as Ramadan nears, Syrians are facing economic hardship due to cash shortages caused by recent government policies and the aftermath of civil war. With limited withdrawal amounts, many families find it challenging to afford basic necessities and traditional practices associated with the holiday. These circumstances have significantly dampened the celebratory spirit typically surrounding this sacred month.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
