Lunch & Learn: Inside Syria

On Friday, December 20th at 12.30 (CET), we are excited to host our second virtual edition of Lunch & Learn, with Fadi Al Dairi, Regional Director of our Syrian partner organisation Hand in Hand for Aid and Development (HIHFAD). In this session, we’ll get to understand more about the current situation in Syria and what we can expect from the new rulers in Damascus.

After almost 14 years of brutal conflict, the recent fall of the Assad regime, led by the militia Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), has turned a page in Syria’s political environment. This marks the end of more than 50 years of dictatorship but also leaves Syria in a politically vulnerable position. With hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced, what does this new reality mean for the people of Syria and the future of humanitarian aid?

As one of Syria's leading humanitarian actors, Hand in Hand has been tirelessly working to support the most vulnerable Syrian communities inside Syria, Turkey and in neighbouring countries, employing over 1,200 staff. HIHFAD’s primarily work is the Idlib province in the Northwest of Syria, where HTS has been governing since its establishment in 2017.

Fadi Al Dairi is therefore well-positioned to share firsthand insights on how the situation is currently evolving, and what HTS’s rise to power might mean for Syria.

This is a unique opportunity to hear from one of the key leaders working on the ground in one of the world’s most complex humanitarian crises. Fadi Al Dairi will answer your questions, share his perspective on the changing landscape, and explain how Hand in Hand continues to make a difference every day.

From Syria to Ukraine and South Sudan – Aid Pioneers’s Lunch & Learn talks are an opportunity to gain real insights into the conflict zones shaping today's world.

Join us for this intimate, 30-minute virtual conversation, where we bring you closer to our on-the ground partners: those who truly make a difference every day.

Event details

Date: December 20th
Time: 12:30 - 13:00
Where: Virtual meeting

Secure your spot

Why you won’t want to miss it

• Exclusive access to on-the-ground expertise: Hear from Fadi Al Dairi, Regional Director of Hand in Hand for Aid and Development (HIHFAD), a leading humanitarian actor in Syria, as he shares his experiences and perspectives.

• Explore the humanitarian response: Learn about HIHFAD’s impactful work supporting vulnerable Syrian communities through a turbulent political and humanitarian crisis.

• Engage in meaningful dialogue: This is your chance to ask questions and better understand one of the world’s most complex conflict zones directly from a leader on the front lines of humanitarian aid.

Expand your global perspective

Please see below a few selected resources that the Aid Pioneers team recommends in case you want to read up on the history of the conflict, as well as on the current situation in Syria:

• This article highlights the remarkable stories of how evidence of atrocities in Syria reached international courts, including that of Syrian activist Mazen al-Hamada, who documented his torture under the Assad regime. Tragically, he was found dead in Sednaya prison on December 9, 2024. (Read from "The activist" onwards.)

• Ahmad al-Sharaa, better known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, is the leader of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS). This video explains his rise to power and what implications this might have for Syria.

• The Economist’s recent Leader discusses how Syrians might finally take control of their own future, despite potential interference from states like Turkey, Israel, Iran, the UAE, and the USA.

creAID x Aid Pioneers: Art for Ukraine

CreAid is an organization that throws events that are part exhibition, part fundraiser, and entirely about making an impact where it counts most. Committed to supporting Ukraine, they’ve partnered with Aid Pioneers to deliver critically-needed medical supplies to clinics on the frontlines of the war.

Your attendance and generosity makes all the difference. Together, we have the power to ship a container of medical supplies that could save up to 2,200 lives.

The event

Date: April 16th

Time: 16:30 - 22:30

Venue: erstererster Galerie, Pappelallee 69, Berlin

RSVP – Your Spot Awaits

Space is thoughtfully limited to keep the evening intimate and impactful. Secure your place now!

Why You Won’t Want to Miss It

• Art That Inspires: Discover and get the opportunity to purchase artworks from carefully selected emerging artists.

• Meet the Artists: Connect with the creative minds behind the pieces to learn about their inspirations and why they’ve decided to put their art to work for Ukraine.

• Learn About the Cause: Hear directly from the Aid Pioneers team about the urgent situation in Ukraine and how we multiply the value of your donations.

• Conversations That Count: Meet people like you, who show up when it counts. This is your community – the doers with heart.

• Direct Impact: Money spent during the evening – be it the entrance fee, drinks, or art purchases – goes towards the mission of delivering nearly half a million dollars’ worth of medical supplies to Ukraine. Your participation, your impact.

Why You?

Because you know the strength of collective action. Join us for a night where your solidarity is transformed into tangible impact for the people in Ukraine.

Can't Make It But Still Want to Contribute?

If you're passionate about supporting this cause, consider making a donation to our medical shipments. Your contributions help people fighting for life and recovery in Ukraine.

What’s Next?

Keep an eye out as we unveil more about the participating artists and the project your contributions support. Follow us @aidpioneers and @creaid_berlin for the latest updates.