'A Light in the Darkness' for Aleppo

Monday November 14

^{Bombed out vehicles in Aleppo. VOA News.}

Churches, organisations and individuals are being asked to offer ‘a light in the darkness’ for the war-torn Syrian city of Aleppo this Sunday (November 20).

The Chaplaincy team at the University of Edinburgh have launched an initiative called ‘A light for Aleppo, a light for all’. They are encouraging communities and individuals wherever they are to light beacons or candles at 5pm on Sunday November, as signs of vigilance and hope.

Harriet Harris, University Chaplain said: "The intention is for the coastlines of East Lothian and Fife to be lit up, leading out from Edinburgh, and also that beacons of light could spread around our coastlines, inland, and to anywhere in the world.

“It would be wonderful if the churches of Edinburgh could support this, encouraging ministers and congregations to hold gatherings. It really will be the church networks that could make this work as a public event on an inspirational scale, so as to bring hope. 

“The beacons can be as simple as lighting a candle in a window, though we are also hoping for a fair few community gatherings, with the churches being integral to this vision. We have already heard from people in other parts of the UK and in other countries who intend to join in. In this way, a path of light might well reach from here to Aleppo, or at least to Syrian borders, and spread hope, and may even help save lives.

“The initiative is also collecting funds for Oxfam and MSF, as charities working in Aleppo. The positive attitudes at the launch and related fundraising events suggest there could be very high take up for this initiative. People feel so helpless and frustrated about what is happening in Aleppo, and are showing immense relief and support at the prospect of being able to do something."

If you are unable to attend an event, it is suggested that you light a candle in your window or draw or build a lighthouse model (a lighthouse is the motif of the project), and take a picture and share it with the hashtag #alightforaleppo

For more details, a map of events planned so far or to add your own, visit www.alightforaleppo.org

Fighting between government and opposition forces for what was Syria’s largest city is about to enter its fifth winter. UN humanitarian adviser Jan Egeland warned on Friday that a quarter of a million civilians in rebel-held east Aleppo were without food or medical supplies.

Post Tags: syria, aleppo

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