Reference :
V-P-SY-E-00484
Date :
11/2015
Caption :
Rural Damas, Kessweh, centre for displaced persons. A couple of displaced persons.
Confidentiality level :
public
Publication restrictions :
publication without restrictions
Description :
“We can’t afford the wood in the market, we burn the cartons of the food parcels, plastic bags and bottles and anything that burns to keep us warm”, says this woman sitting beside her 72 years old husband. The couple was displaced from Darayya and moved to a school in Kessweh, which was turned into a center for displaced persons.
“Our love and sorrow has grown during the last four years”, says the man who suffers from heart problems; he had coronary stent installed few years ago. His wife, who is shy, blushes when the husband flatters her; she also suffers from serious medical problems in her stomach. Having parented eight daughters and four sons, they still live alone as all their children and grandchildren are dispersed within the country and abroad, they also lost a son during this long conflict.
In the middle of their small room, there is a wood-fired heater. Last winter, they were able to turn it on few times only. The woman explains that she has prepared well for this winter, “I have been collecting everything that we can burn. I have kept and dried the stems of mint and parsley to burn them and stay warm”.
When the man wants to speak about his life back in Darayya, his eyes glistened with tears; of love, hope and deep sadness, then he changes the subject. His wife speaks on his behalf and says, “let’s stay in the present, the sweetness of the old days hurt”.
Original material :
digital
Resolution :
3264x2448
Orientation :
landscape
Colour/B&W :
colour
