With the end of military operations in many areas, one of the main issues is reconstruction. Who will finance and undertake rebuilding efforts? One organization engaging in some reconstruction and development efforts is Mu'assasat Jihad al-Bina' (Jihad of Development Foundation), which has advertised some of its recent works in the Hajera area adjacent to Sayyida Zainab. On 31 December 2018, I conducted an interview with the Damascus media office of Jihad al-Bina'. Below is the interview.
 Jihad al-Bina' emblem. The inscription at the bottom reads: "We are all together for the future of the land." |
Q: When was Jihad al-Bina' established and what are its main aims?
A: Jihad al-Bina' was established in Syria with the beginnings of the barbaric imposed war but it did not begin its works officially until 2013 approximately (I say 'approximately' because we worked voluntarily and we were not interested in dates and their recordings) and our sole interest has been to support the steadfastness of the Syrian people.
Q: To which side are you affiliated officially?
A: Jihad al-Bina' is an independent services and development foundation. Of course I am speaking about Jihad al-Bina' in Syria.
Q: In which areas in Syria have you worked until now?
A: We have been honoured to provide services to the people in Aleppo, Deir az-Zor, Homs, Damascus and the Syrian coast. Of course we have had a big role in caring for the people displaced from their towns and villages in these areas and others.
Q: In summary what are your main activities and main accomplishments?
A: A number of hospitals and clinics have been set up in Aleppo, Homs, Deir az-Zor. As for our foundational work, it has entailed caring for the families of the martyrs and tracking their affairs in addition to much material and moral aid that is for the purpose of supporting the steadfastness of the Syrian people. And let us not forget our current projects in Damascus that have begun in the town of Sayyida Zainab we have undertaken some works that are for the purpose of facilitating the return of the families and displaced people to their homes and livelihoods through cleaning and removing rubble and removing the remains of war from the development areas. This is in Damascus. As for in Homs, work is now being done to renovate the homes of the families of martyrs (naturally the families of martyrs have the priority) and raising the living standard for them. Of course there are many activities that we have been undertaking at the same time whether on receiving the displaced families or on liberating the towns from the terrorist gangs.
 Jihad al-Bina' at work in the Hajera area. |
Q: Do you receive support from the Iranian government?
A: Our foundation my friend is non-government and does not receive any support from the government of the Islamic Republic in Iran but yes we do receive donations from charitable people in Iran.
Q: What are the coming projects if God wills with the New Year?
A: By God's help, 2019 will be a year of good and blessing on the land and the people of the land as a number of the projects that we began in the past will be consecrated. Also the specialist committees have prepared plans and studies for new projects that we will announce in their time. And thank you.
Q: Can you describe to me the situation in Hajera in a general sense?
A: My friend the photos describe every story. I think you have followed my posts about Hajera and if you like I will send you the photos we took before work began there. You will see the extent of destruction and ruin that the terrorism of these backward people left behind. But despite the huge extent of destruction you can see the will for life among the inhabitants of the area who have shaken off the dust of war and rolled up their sleeves and have begun working alongside our foundation. And we in Jihad al-Bina' will be in their trust and will not slacken from any work in order to support the steadfastness of these people.