State of the World from NPR How a Damascus Firehouse Illustrates Syria's Divisions and Hope for the Future
Jun 3, 2025
In a Damascus firehouse, former regime firefighters and members of the White Helmets are finding common ground despite their violent past. They share personal stories that reveal the deep-seated mistrust and trauma caused by years of conflict. As they work side-by-side, the narrative explores their journey towards unity, highlighting the challenges and hopes for reconciliation in a divided society. This powerful tale showcases the potential for healing through collaboration in life-saving missions.
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Firefighters from Opposite Sides Unite
- Haitham Nasrallah stayed at the firehouse after Assad's fall, hoping for a new firefighting role.
- White Helmets from former rebel areas moved in and used better equipment, marking a major shift in Syria's firefighting.
Living Divided Behind One Wall
- White Helmets and former regime firefighters live in the same firehouse but remain divided by a brick wall.
- Initial mistrust marked their relation, but they continue responding to emergencies together daily.
Dreaming Firefighter Banned, Then Returns
- Mohamed Khadir was imprisoned by the regime and banned from firefighting despite his lifelong dream.
- After regime fall, he returned to work unpaid, guarding the firehouse from vandalism.