KBR activists help Syrian returnees with foodstuffs

After the closure of public catering facilities because of the threat of coronavirus spread, Syrian repatriates in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic (KBR) lost their earnings. Circassian activists announced a fundraising, bought and spread over a hundred foodstuff packages among repatriates.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Circassian refugees began coming to their historical homeland, including the KBR, in 2012, when the active phase of the war began in Syria. It is difficult for middle-aged and older repatriates to adapt in Russia, learn the language and find work, the ethnic Circassians, who moved to Adygea, said.

The bulk of Circassian repatriates from Syria to the KBR found themselves in a difficult financial situation, as they work in the sphere of public catering, but because of the coronavirus spread, cafés and restaurants are closed, Ratmir Karov, an activist of the NGO "Circassian Renaissance", has stated. According to his story, many returnees have no Russian citizenship; and they were employed without the official registration.

Gazi, a volunteer of the "Paryt" Charity NGO, said that foodstuff packages bought for the raised money were bought for 73 families.

Attila Gyuser, the "Paryt" chairman, has confirmed that it is difficult for returnee families to survive, but said that mutual help was ever widespread in the KBR.

Ualid Dugush, a Circassian repatriate from Syria, said that her husband had worked in public catering, but lost his workplace because the café was closed. According to Ualid, she received a grocery set. "Kind people help us in everything. We have been feeling support here throughout all four years," the woman has concluded.