Stories of hope
Art, Play, and Healing After the Church Bombing
Supporting children affected by the attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus
May 28, 2026 | by McKenzie Hood
After the bombing at Mar Elias Church in Damascus, many children were left carrying fear, grief, and trauma that followed them long after the explosion ended.
Some had witnessed the attack firsthand. Others lost relatives or saw family members injured. Many became withdrawn, anxious, or afraid to return to spaces connected to church and community life.
Beginning in November 2025, the Art & Peace project provided structured psychosocial support for 25 Christian children affected by the bombing, helping them begin to recover in a safe and familiar environment.
Over three months, children ages 6 to 15 participated in 36 sessions that combined emotional support with creative and recreational activities including drawing, theatre, sports, dance, games, and group interaction exercises.
Elias’ Story
Elias, a 12-year-old boy, was inside Mar Elias Church during the bombing.
He witnessed the explosion and the devastation inside the church afterward. He also lost his uncle and several relatives in the attack.
Following the bombing, Elias became increasingly withdrawn and emotionally isolated. He searched for places where he felt safe and understood.
When he first joined the Art & Peace program, he struggled to talk directly about his grief. But through theatre activities, he slowly began expressing what he was carrying internally.
As the weeks continued, Elias became more engaged in group activities and more comfortable speaking about his emotions. Staff observed improvements in his ability to regulate anger, connect with peers, and express grief in healthier ways.
“I feel here that people are listening to me,” he shared. “And I can talk about my uncle without being afraid.”
Healing That Continues Beyond the Program
In total, the project directly supported 64 people, including children, family members, and staff.
For children who had begun associating church spaces with fear and trauma, returning in a supportive and caring environment became part of the healing process.
Church leaders, facilitators, and families worked together throughout the program to help children regain a sense of trust, safety, and belonging.
Beyond the immediate emotional support provided, the program strengthened local capacity to care for children affected by trauma and reinforced the role of the church as a trusted place for healing and recovery.
For many families, the project served as a reminder that even after profound violence and loss, children can still rediscover connection and hope when they are surrounded by care and community.
