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Raed Al Saleh Apologizes to Syrians After Removing Missing Persons' Photos from Marja Square in Damascus

Raed Al Saleh, the director of the Syrian Civil Defense "White Helmets," issued an official apology to the Syrian people after the removal of photos of the missing and detained from Marja Square in Damascus during the volunteer campaign known as "We Returned, O Sham."
In a statement on the platform "X," Al Saleh expressed his deep regret, saying: "To my Syrian family and the families of the missing and forcibly disappeared, I apologize on my behalf and on behalf of the Syrian Civil Defense for the action that occurred during the We Returned, O Sham campaign, where the photos affixed to the memorial in Marja Square were removed in an incorrect and inappropriate manner." He clarified that these photos were damaged due to weather conditions, adding that he appreciates the suffering of those who have lost a loved one.
Al Saleh emphasized that the issue of the missing and forcibly disappeared is an integral part of the memory and conscience of the Syrian people, assuring everyone that the Syrian Civil Defense will not abandon them. He also mentioned that his organization is working on creating dedicated plaques in Damascus and other Syrian cities to commemorate their memories, aiming to display their photos in places that honor their sacrifices and humanity.
In a related context, he pointed out that the Civil Defense continues to cooperate with international organizations and relevant entities to protect mass graves and prisons, aiming to document the names of the missing, reveal their fates, and hold accountable those who committed crimes of detention and torture.
On another front, 36 Syrian institutions and organizations, along with local activists and initiatives, launched the "We Returned, O Sham" campaign on January 18, aiming to carry out service and beautification projects in Damascus to restore life to the city and enhance volunteer efforts.
The campaign aims to clean the city by removing garbage piles, opening blocked roads, repairing landmarks and roundabouts, cleaning water reservoirs, and planting trees, reflecting the ability of civil society to bring about positive change and send a message of peace and love, with the hope of rebuilding Syria in the future.
It is worth noting that the removal of photos of the missing and detained, which were raised in hopes of finding information about them, sparked angry reactions and widespread protests among Syrians.
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BENEFIT Sponsors BuildHer...
- April 23, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”
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