In March 2025, while hopes rose following the fall of Syria’s authoritarian regime, one of the most horrific massacres in the country’s recent history occurred along the Syrian coast. More than 1,500 civilians, were killed. The tragedy received little to no international coverage and was soon forgotten. For many from the coast, the silence that followed deepened the pain.
From this wound, Mawjat Solidarias – Mediterranean Waves was born: a community initiative led by Syrians from the coastal region, supported by Kudwa. Its goal is to honour memory, celebrate resilience, and build bridges of solidarity between coasts—connecting Barcelona and the Syrian coast through shared Mediterranean identity.
Three Waves of Memory, Art and Healing
Over three days, from July 10 to 12, 2025, a series of events will take place to explore mourning, beauty, and community through art and storytelling
Free Event – Registration Required
Attendance to all the events is free, but seats are limited and require prior registration via Google Forms and Eventbrite.
1. Wave of Mourning and Care – Thursday, July 10 – REGISTER
An intimate Arabic-language workshop for the Syrian coastal community to process grief together. Through words, candles, symbolic rituals and reflection, participants reconnect with collective care in a safe, supportive space.
2. Wave of Memory and Expression – Friday, July 11 – REGISTER
An open workshop guided by artists Laura Jabbour and Mai Laila, where participants embroider over images of the Syrian coast. This symbolic act of stitching beloved places—walls, plants, or words of hope—becomes a gesture of resistance and remembrance through beauty.
3. Wave of Hope and Solidarity – Saturday, July 12 – Reserve a Spot
The final event at Ateneu del Clot (Barcelona), from 18:00 to 22:00, is open to the public and features:
- Exhibition of workshop artworks and photography from the coast captured by Haitham Alkhateeb
- Video testimony portraying a day in the life before, during and after the massacres. By the creative Eisa Baddour.
- Journalist intervention and a testimony from the ground.
- Dar al-Ghar: an exhibit on native plants and ancestral coastal knowledge, by artists Laura Jabbour, Angham Dayoub, and Mai Laila.
- Tasting of traditional coastal food by Chef Sameh Darbouli.
Born from Within the Community
Mawjat Solidarias is not a response to any news report or political agenda. It began months ago as a grassroots act of memory and healing—a need to humanise those who lived, died, and survived. It is an affirmation of life, identity, and connection to land, especially in the absence of justice and recognition.
Important Note
We recognise that Syrian suffering extends far beyond one region or moment. This initiative comes from the heart of the coastal Syrian community and reflects their particular experience. We welcome other initiatives to tell other stories—each voice deserves its space and echo.
Mawjat Solidarias is a wave of memory, care, and resilience. Join us to share, listen, and plant seeds of hope.
