In brief
With Ramadan just days away, citizens in Syria are grappling with severe cash withdrawal limits from banks, hampering their ability to celebrate the holiday. Many are left wondering how to afford the basic necessities for the fasting month amidst an economically chaotic landscape.
Days before the beginning of Ramadan, long lines of people formed outside banks in Damascus, Syria, as citizens waited for hours to withdraw the equivalent of only about $15 to prepare for the holiday. Following the recent regime change, the interim government has imposed strict daily withdrawal limits, which have cast a shadow over what is typically a time of festivity.“I can buy maybe a kilo and a half of meat,” said 56-year-old civil engineer Sleiman Dawoud, who stood in line to withdraw cash. “But what about the bread, vegetables, and fruits? We need to prepare for Ramadan.” Similarly, 75-year-old retired civil servant Ra’if Ghnaim expressed his concern about maintaining traditions, particularly the custom of gifting children money at the end of the fasting month.The upcoming Ramadan falls roughly three months after the Assad regime was ousted, ending decades of authoritarian rule. The newly established rebel coalition governing Damascus has implemented a series of economic reforms, leading to significant challenges for everyday citizens.
