Intercultural Communication Center (ICC)Waseda University

Souzan HUSSEINI

Embarking on the journey of hosting the “Turkey-Syria Earthquake Charity Photo Exhibition,” with ICC which ran from June 21 to 27, was as profound an experience as the narratives captured in the photographs. As the facilitator of this gallery, I found myself not just sharing a snapshot of life in Syria during and after the earthquake, but delving into the intricate human stories behind each image. In addition, to sharing more about Syria before the earthquake.

The event’s central theme, “Rebuilding Hope: Listen to the Voices from Syria,” truly resonated with visitors as they navigated through the gallery. The aim was to shed light not only on the current situation in Syria but also on the difficulty of the Syrian conflict and the complexities faced by displaced persons and refugees.

The responses I received from the audience were heartening. Young students, Japanese and international alike, were particularly curious. They posed insightful questions about the political landscape, humanitarian laws, policies, and why aid was not reaching the northern regions of Syria. It was inspiring to witness their determination to delve deeper, to grasp the context, and understand the circumstances of the displacement.

One story that particularly resonated with the audience was that of a young girl and her brother, trapped under their col

lapsed house for two grueling days following the earthquake. The tale of their rescue was a became of hope amid despair. When I narrated this story, everyone was listening intently, their eyes gleaming with compassion and a hunger to learn more about Syria and its resilient people.

Presenting the exhibition was a task I had prepared for extensively. Yet, the richness of interaction, the insightful queries, and the intense focus of the audience left me surprised and humbled. There was an apparent thirst for knowledge, a desire to understand, and an empathetic curiosity that the visitors brought to the gallery. This was especially evident during the presentations, when every individual seemed engrossed, attempting to absorb and learn something new about Syria.

The reactions of the visitors were both encouraging and touching. Many left comments such as “I learned a lot” or “this became an education for me.” Hearing these reflections instilled an unforgettable feeling of hope for the future in me.

The International Community Center (ICC) members’ assistance was instrumental in orchestrating this event. Their support in organizing and managing the gallery, providing printing materials, frames, booking the venue, and much more was invaluable. The success of this exhibition stands as a testament to their dedication and effort.

Looking back, the gallery served as more than just an exhibition—it transformed into an interactive platform for education and advocacy. It was gratifying to see visitors, young students, and even professors, taking a keen interest in understanding more about Syria. Hosting this event was a unique opportunity to engage in profound dialogue, shed light on Syria’s situation, and contribute to a larger, global conversation.

Hosting the “Turkey-Syria Earthquake Charity Photo Exhibition” was a truly enriching experience, one that unveiled resilience, shared hope, and ultimately, connected human stories that transcend boundaries. With the echo of visitor’s insightful comments and their willingness to help, the gallery truly became a beacon of enlightenment and hope.