Fadi Hamdan was on his way to Friday prayers in his hometown in southern Syria when a shell landed next to him. He was taken to a hospital in Jordan for emergency surgery. His father waited by his bedside, praying for his son’s recovery.
An estimated 1.2 million Syrians have fled to the neighboring country of Jordan, where they are looking to rebuild their lives. Most of these Syrians live outside of the refugee camps that have dominated the media, in cities and villages across Jordan. Although the Jordanian government has done a great deal to accommodate the needs of the refugees, they are not allowed to work without permits, which are awarded sparingly. Many refugees living in Jordan cite the inability to work as one of their greatest challenges.
The violence in Syria has left waves of sick and injured on the doorsteps of bordering countries. The Jordanian government is struggling to keep up with the massive demand for healthcare services. One organization has found a way to help.
How one Syrian refugee is using his Southern California restaurant to build a community.