21 July 2026: Syria – Two Homes for Humanity, One Shared Spirit

How do public institutions and civic society work hand in hand to heal a nation and build lasting peace? Today, our Arab Homes for Humanity Film Series turns to Syria with the launch of two extraordinary films featuring the White Helmets (Syria Civil Defence) and the Truth Guardians.

While they operate in different spheres, both organizations were born from the exact same unwavering commitment to humanity. Together, they demonstrate how to holistically heal a nation: one by saving lives with extraordinary courage, the other by safeguarding truth, memory, and justice as the foundational pillars of lasting peace.

From Rescue to Renewal: How the White Helmets Are Helping Rebuild Syria

For more than a decade, the Syria Civil Defence—known around the world as the White Helmets—rushed into the rubble when bombs fell, risking their own lives to save others. Their brave volunteers rescued more than 130,000 people from the ruins of war, becoming a global symbol of courage, humanity, and selfless service.

Today, after the fall of the dictatorship, the White Helmets are helping lead a bold new chapter for Syria.

A New Era of Service

Now serving as part of the newly established Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management, they are carrying their enduring spirit of courage, compassion, and service from rescue to renewal. They are actively helping to rebuild communities, restore hope, and lay the foundations for a new Syria.

In May 2026, in Damascus, the White Helmets were officially honored as an Exemplary Home for Humanity. Their story is a profound reminder that rebuilding a country does not just mean reconstructing buildings; it begins by rebuilding our Inner Home, our Local Home, and our Earth Home.

From the White Helmets, we learn how:

• Compassion can become stronger than fear.

• Selfless service builds and unites a community.

• Courageous, on-the-ground action shapes the institutions of tomorrow.

Take Action Today:

• Watch the film. [White Helmets]

Safeguarding Truth, Rebuilding Hope: The Truth Guardians of Syria

From the profound legacy of the White Helmets emerged a new mission for Syria: the Truth Guardians. Where others might see only uncertainty, this incredible initiative cultivates trust, belonging, and possibility.

While they operate differently from frontline rescue teams, the Truth Guardians focus on the vital, often unseen work of healing a nation. They preserve truth, protect collective memory, seek justice for victims, and help communities heal from the deep wounds of war.

Transforming Loss into Truth

Working across Syria, the Truth Guardians are taking concrete steps to ensure that the suffering of the past becomes the foundation for a more peaceful future. Their vital work includes:

• Supporting the search for missing persons.

• Safeguarding Syria's rich cultural heritage.

• Strengthening social cohesion and helping rebuild the institutions needed for lasting peace.

By transforming loss into truth, memory into reconciliation, and resilience into renewal, they are helping shape a more just, compassionate, and regenerative Syria. For this immense contribution to nurturing truth, dignity, and active citizenship, the Truth Guardians are officially honored as a Home for Humanity.

From the Truth Guardians, we learn how:

• Truth has the power to heal deep trauma.

• Preserving collective memory rebuilds fractured communities.

• Justice opens the essential path to true reconciliation.

Take Action Today:

• Watch the film. [Truth Guardians]

Be inspired to turn hope into action wherever you are.